BAU halls reopen after over a month, classes from Oct 5

The university has been shut since Aug 31 after outsiders attacked students

Bangladesh Agricultural University (BAU) has reopened its student accomodations after remaining closed for a month and three days, with classes and exams scheduled to resume on Oct 5.

Students began returning to their halls from Friday morning, Assistant Proctor Sonia Soheli said.

The decision came through a notice signed by Acting Registrar Helal Uddin on Sept 23.

The university was shut on the night of Aug 31 after outsiders attacked students amid a standoff over the demand for a combined degree by merging the veterinary and animal husbandry faculties.

Students had confined the vice-chancellor and 251 teachers and officials in the Zainul Abedin Auditorium the same day.

Later in the evening, 250 to 300 outsiders armed with local weapons chased students near the VC’s residence and broke open locks to release the teachers.

At least 10 people, including students and journalists, were injured.

The authorities ordered students to vacate halls by Sept 1 morning and suspended all classes and exams indefinitely.

Following several failed attempts, discussions between the proctor, teachers’ representatives and students finally led to an agreement.

The administration promised to introduce three degrees and ensure no student would be harassed by the probe committee.

“The closure caused huge academic losses. I am glad to be back to my studies,” said Nazia Tabassum, a third-semester student at the Faculty of Agriculture.

Assistant Proctor Sonia Soheli said: “Classes will begin on Sunday. The six faculties have deans who will consult with students on how to recover academic losses.”