Ruling Awami League MP Mahmud Us Samad Chowdhury has demanded an investigation by a Parliament-commissioned tribunal to identify those responsible for the current unrest at the Shahjalal University of Science and Technology (SUST) in Sylhet.
The MP himself recently came under criticism for expressing his desire to whip professor-writer Muhammad Zafar Iqbal of the university.
“Since the establishment of this university, every year, or every two years, some teachers start various agitations. Once this university was closed for even seven months due to such agitation,” the MP said while taking part in general discussion on the proposed budget in Parliament on Tuesday.
“Some six to seven years ago, a group of teachers had set the quarters of the then VC Mosleh Uddin on fire with his mother, wife and children inside. Even the fire brigades were prevented from going there,” he said.
Mohan Muktijuddher Chetanay Udbuddha Shikhak Parishad – or the teachers’ council inspired by the spirit of great Liberation War – of the university has been agitating since April 13demanding resignation of VC Aminul Haque Bhuiyan.
The teachers’ council accused him of being discourteous and incapable of running the administration. It also brought charges of irregularities in staff appointment and lack of transparency in financial transactions.
As part of the ongoing agitation, 35 teachers, including Zafar Iqbal, on April 20 resigned from the 37 administrative posts they were holding at the university.
However, after the current VC Bhuiyan announced at an emergency syndicate meeting on April 32 his decision to go on a two-month leave, the 35 teachers decided to continue in their administrative posts under acting VC Prof Ilias Uddin Biswas.
But after the VC suddenly returned to the office cutting short his leave on Monday and gave approval to a new proctorial committee, the agitating teachers in protest kept him confined to his office from 8am to 4pm.
Describing the development, the Awami League MP said, “Two months ago 30 teachers of this university had resigned over some minor differences with the VC.
“He had taken a two-month leave as his wife was expecting a child. Yesterday (Monday) after he joined, he was besieged from 8am to 4pm.”
“He could not be rescued despite all efforts. He is in confinement even today,” the MP told Parliament.
The Sylhet-3 MP at a programme in May accused Prof Iqbal of being anti-Sylhet and said: “Had I been someone big, I would have whipped him.”
His comment, concerning Zafar Iqbal, the son of a freedom fighter, evoked sharp reactions from eminent citizens.
Even the Awami League supporters on social media took serious exception to the remarks. His effigy was burnt in various places.
Drawing the prime minister and education minister’s attention to the current problem at the university, he demanded that a special tribunal be established.
“This is the only university which is retaining 2500th position. We can do better. This is why I am urging you to amicably resolve this problem by forming a special probe committee.”
Source: Bd news24