Dhaka University VC’s car vandalised after souvenir describes Zia first president

Bangladesh Chhatra League activists have vandalised Dhaka University vice-chancellor’s vehicle after a souvenir described military dictator Ziaur Rahman as Bangladesh’s first president.

They also staged a protest on the campus and confined acting Registrar Syed Rezaur Rahman to his office for around 45 minutes on Friday around noon.

Rahman was responsible for the publication of the souvenir to mark the university’s 95th founding anniversary.

Vice Chancellor AAMS Arefin Siddique was in his car when it came under attack.

An article of the souvenir that describes halls of the university says “Zia was Bangladesh’s first president, a former military chief and valiant freedom fighter”.

A speaker at a discussion on the university day at the TSC brought the issue to everyone’s notice, triggering protests by ruling Awami League’s student front Chhatra League activists and general students.

The vice chancellor postponed the discussion immediately and announced withdrawal of the souvenir copies.

Chhatra League activists kept acting Registrar Rahman confined to his office until acting Proctor Amjad Ali rescued him around 12:45pm.

Following the confinement, Chhatra League activists led by its Dhaka University unit President Abid Al Hasan and General Secretary Motahar Hossain Prince began demonstrations in front of the vice-chancellor’s residence.

They demanded that the acting registrar be put on trial.

The protestors attacked Siddique’s car when it reached there. Later, the vice chancellor walked home.

Members of the university’s proctorial body and police rushed to the scene on hearing about the protest.

Chhatra League activists stayed there until 3:30pm.