Panta, Hilsa behind mischief

Students of the Pabna Science and Technology University (PUST) confined a student counsellor for three hours at his office and assaulted him for not including ‘Panta Bhat’ and fried Hilsa on the Pahela Baishakh breakfast menu.

Both dishes, considered delicacies, had been traditionally served to students at breakfast on the Bangla New Year Day.

Witnesses told bdnews24.com that the students on Sunday met advisor Dr Habibullah, demanding the traditional breakfast consisting of Panta Bhat (rice soaked in water) and fried Hilsa on the morning of the first day of the Bangla New Year.

The students became agitated and confined him to his office when told of his inability to make the arrangement.

The witnesses said the students also abused and assaulted him.

The students let Habibullah leave his chamber only after university Vice Chancellor Prof Al Nakib Chowdhury promised the dished they sought.

Bangladesh Chhatra League (BCL) Convenor at the university Mizanur Rahman admitted the unseemly incident, telling bdnews24.com that this year’s menu departed from tradition and earned the students’ wrath.

He said the students “physically assaulted the teacher and confined him at his office for a few hours”.

University Proctor Kamruzzaman said he had discussed the situation with the VC.