Rangamati University launches classes ignoring 10-month long dispute

Authorities have finally started classes at the Rangamati Science and Technology University following a long delay of 10 months.

Fierce opposition by the Santu Larma faction of the Jana Sanghati Samity (JSS), a former insurgent group, had kept classes from starting.

Classes for the computer science, engineering and management departments (2014-15 session) started from Monday on a temporary campus in the Tabalchharhi Shah High School.

Seventy-five students joined the classes after a formal inauguration by Rangamati Deputy Commissioner Md Shamsul Arefin.

Vice Chancellor Dr Pradanendu Bikash Chakma was joined by senior army and police officials at the inaugural function.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina laid the foundation stone for the Rangamati Science and Technology University on Feb 22, 2013.

Seventy-five students were admitted in the two departments for the 2014-15 session, but classes could not be started because of JSS resistance.

The JSS (Santu Larma faction) issued a statement on Monday criticising the government's decision to start the classes using police cover.

The statement was signed by Sajib Chakma, publicity secretary of the faction.

The JSS has threatened fresh agitations against both this university and the medical college proposed for Rangamati.

It says introducing higher education in the area without first developing the infrastructure of quality basic education is counter-productive and "against the interests of the tribal people."