Coordinators face criticism for administering oaths to SUST pro-VC, treasurer

They express regret following backlash over the swearing-in event

Coordinators of the Anti-discrimination Student Movement have faced criticism for administering oaths to the newly appointed pro-vice chancellor and treasurer of the Shahjalal University of Science and Technology.

A video of the oath-taking event circulated on social media, leading to criticism from current and former students, as well as faculty members.

Following the backlash, the coordinators expressed regret over the incident.

However, Pro-Vice Chancellor Md Sajedul Karim said: “It was not a planned oath-taking ceremony Due to the university's closure, ongoing national circumstances, students' high expectations for the institution, and the arrival of new administrators, the students were overwhelmed with emotions, leading to the spontaneous utterance of those words.”

He added, “The way it is being criticised is not what actually happened.”

The university's registrar said the pro-vice-chancellor and treasurer had joined the institution on Thursday afternoon.

They later held a meeting with the coordinators and other students at 4pm in the administrative building.

After the video circulated, students expressed disappointment and concern about the incident.

Abdullah Al Masud, a student, said: “The coordinators appear to be more focused on administering oaths than addressing actual student concerns.”

MD Shahriar, another student, wrote on Facebook: "Administering the oath to the SUST pro-vice-chancellor and treasurer—there could not be anything more absurd and embarrassing! You could have simply requested your demands during a courtesy meeting with them, could not you?"