Chattogram University–Chhatra Dal meeting ends without answers on disputed appointments

Student leaders say the administration has given no direct response to the irregularities in appointments

A meeting between the Chittagong University administration and leaders of Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal over recruitment controversies has ended without any resolution.

The meeting lasted for about three hours from 12:30pm at the vice-chancellor’s office on Sunday.

The meeting came after the expiry of a 48-hour ultimatum given by the leaders of the BNP’s student wing demanding the resignation of the university’s VC and pro-VC.

“The VC did not give any direct answers when we questioned him about allegations of irregularities over recruitments made since Aug 5,” said Abdullah Al Noman, general secretary of the Chhatra Dal’s CU chapter.

The student leaders had also asked the VC whether he would cancel the appointments after review. But the VC failed to give a satisfactory reply, prompting the student leaders to boycott the meeting.

“We will enforce tougher movement soon,” he said.

On Thursday, the Chhatra Dal had given the ultimatum, accusing the university administration of irregularities and nepotism in appointments at the university.

The ultimatum came after a six-hour sit-in demonstration in front of the university’s administrative building.

During the Sunday meeting, pro-VC Kamal Uddin admitted that some of the points raised by student leaders were valid, urging the leaders to submit their demands in writing.

VC Muhammad Yeahia Akhter, however, denied there were any irregularities in appointments.

Angered by the reply, the student leaders left the meeting, threatening to enforce tougher movement.

Chhatra Dal leaders also alleged that the administration failed to address the university’s accommodation crisis and ensure students’ safety on campus and in cyberspace.