Hunger strike at ULAB resolved peacefully

The protesters had demanded the immediate resignation of the ULAB vice-chancellor over disciplinary probation on two students for graffiti inside the campus

A hunger strike conduction by a group of students at the University of Liberal Arts, Bangladesh has been resolved with the intervention of an emissary sent by Information Advisor Nahid Islam.

The protesters had demanded the immediate resignation of ULAB Vice-Chancellor Imran Rahman, and the reconstitution of the university’s Board of Trustees after two students were placed on ‘disciplinary probation’ for drawing graffiti inside the campus, according to a press release from the university.

“The protesters’ hardline actions received an overwhelming rejection from ULAB students, faculty, staff, and alumni,” the statement said.

On Dec 29, a disciplinary warning was issued to the two students for painting graffiti, some of which was related to the July uprising, inside the campus without prior notice.

After an appeal by a section of the faculty, ULAB withdrew the warning “in the greater interest” of the students. It also said that the graffiti would remain.

“However, on Dec 31, about five outsiders entered the campus and spray-painted offensive graffiti attacking the university authorities. The next day, Jan 1, a small group of students and outsiders blocked the university gate and prevented faculty and staff from leaving the campus till late at night, demanding the VC’s resignation. Despite the hostage-like situation, the university authorities did not call the law enforcement agencies. Instead, the registrar and senior faculty engaged them in patient dialogue,” the ULAB statement said.

On Jan 1, a group of ULAB students held a counter rally opposing the protesters’ demands and calling for a “restoration of normalcy”.

“An independent online poll conducted by the students showed that 88 percent of students wanted Imran to continue as the VC,” ULAB said.

On Jan 2, following the start of a hunger strike, Anti-discrimination Student Movement Chief Organiser Abdul Hannan Masud – acting as an emissary for Advisor Nahid Islam – came to the campus and facilitated an agreement between the protesters and the ULAB administration.

The agreement states that the University Grants Commission or the Ministry of Education will form a committee within three working days to investigate the protesters’ demands. Vice Chancellor Imran will abstain from the duties of his post until the committee publishes the report.

“ULAB puts the welfare of the students above all else and never wishes to see any unnecessary disruption to anyone’s academic progress,” the university said in its statement. “ULAB also believes in fostering diversity of opinions expressed and exchanged with mutual respect. The university will continue to support all students in line with its principles and values.”