They also protested harassments of students by the department chairman as well as by the members of the committee formed to probe the allegations.

At a press conference on the campus of People's University of Bangladesh, the students declared boycotting of their classes demanding recognition of the department by the Medicine Faculty of Dhaka University.

"We will not be eligible for government jobs if our department is not recognised by Dhaka University," said a student requesting anonymity.

They also demanded removal of department chairman Dr Abdur Rahman who is reportedly threatening them for waging agitation against him.

A female student alleged that Dr Rahman has assaulted many female students and the probe committee is now asking them to prove their allegations.

"This is totally silly. Can a girl in our society speak to a male how she was assaulted by her teacher. Is it possible to prove the matter," she posed the questions.

After the press conference, the students brought out a procession.

When contacted, acting vice-chancellor Prof Aslam Bhuiyan

told the reporters that the health ministry in a notification withdrew the order that made it mandatory to seek permission of the Medicine Faculty of Dhaka University for running an health science subject in any private university.

Besides, he said the university has approval of University Grants Commission and education ministry as well for running the subject.

The VC said the authorities would take action against Dr Rahman after receiving the probe committee report.