CU students lock admin building, demand pro-VC’s resignation over remarks on martyred intellectuals

Students of Chittagong University (CU) today padlocked the administrative building, demanding the resignation of Pro-Vice Chancellor (Academic) Prof Shamim Uddin Khan over remarks he made about the Martyred intellectuals.

During the protest, two pro-vice chancellors were confined inside the building. Demonstrators said they would not remove the locks until their demand was met.

The gates are still locked as of the filing of this report.

Under the banner of Sarbodaliyo Chhatro Oikko, students locked the building around 12:30pm. Leaders and activists of Chhatra Dal and the Democratic Student Council joined the programme.

CU Chhatra Dal General Secretary Abdullah Al Noman said protesting remarks perceived as disrespectful to the Martyred intellectuals was a moral obligation.

"The university is run with the money of the citizens of independent Bangladesh, not collaborators. A pro-vice chancellor can't make such remarks. He must resign," he said.

CU Vice Chancellor Prof Muhammod Yeahia Akhter said he was attending a programme at the time and declined to comment on the issue.

The controversy arose from a discussion meeting held at the vice chancellor's conference room yesterday to mark the 54th Martyred Intellectuals' Day.

Speaking as a special guest during a discussion marking the 54th Martyred Intellectuals' Day at the VC's office, Prof Shamim said, "At a time when someone was trying to flee the country and it was uncertain whether someone would survive or be killed, I find it utterly absurd to suggest that Pakistani fighters would kill Bangladeshi intellectuals."."

Meanwhile, the history department issued a statement, saying it remains uncompromising on the spirit of the Liberation War, truth, and ethical historiography.

It said the pro-VC had distorted the history of the Liberation War and made a "brazen and deeply offensive" remark by justifying the Pakistani occupation forces.

The department added that his presence at its freshers' reception and farewell programme is undesirable.

Similarly, the English department expressed deep concern and strong condemnation, calling the remarks on the killing of intellectuals irresponsible, unethical, and wholly condemnable.