BSMMU VC, pro-VC trade blames over altercation, assault

A pro-vice chancellor of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU) has accused Vice-Chancellor Prof Kamrul Hasan Khan of assault following an altercation in a meeting.

The VC has dismissed the allegation brought by cancer-hit Pro-VC ASM Zakaria Swapan and blamed him for creating tension in the meeting.

Health Minister Mohammed Nasim has called both the VC and the pro-VC of the lone medical university of Bangladesh to his home on Thursday night to speak over the issue, an official of the institution said.

Swapan told bdnews24.com Proctor Habibur Rahman Dulal attended the meeting on Thursday though he was not supposed to be present at the administrative meeting at the VC's office.

The pro-VC alleged the proctor started the altercation when he spoke over alleged corruption by the VC in appointing nurses.

"When I was leaving the room through the space behind the VC's chair at one stage of the altercation, he (VC) pulled my shirt's collar," Swapan alleged.

He said he was undergoing chemotherapy for cancer, and he would write to the president and the prime minister over the matter.

VC Kamrul said he 'only tried to stop the altercation over the appointment of nurses after Swapan had started it'.

"Why should I try to beat him (Swapan) up? He is very ill. I feel bad whenever I see him. I counsel him every day," he said.    

He also alleged Swapan and his men went to attack Proctor Dulal at his room after the meeting.

"They kicked at the door and returned as Dulal was not there," the VC said.

When Kamrul was made the VC, Swapan left the post of proctor. The government later appointed him pro-VC.

Proctor Dulal told bdnews24.com that he has footage, in which the pro-VC and his men are seen trying to attack him.

"The incident will be investigated," he added.

He also alleged Swapan was trying to make the appointment of nurses debatable in a bid to 'conceal his involvement in a tender scam of Tk 70 million'.