SUST Syndicate Sanctions Shifts in Names
The Shahjalal University of Science and Technology (SUST) in Sylhet has renamed the Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Research Center as the Jalalabad Research Center. Alongside, three residential halls of the university have also been renamed.
The Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Hall has been renamed Bijoy 24 Hall, the first female dormitory is now titled Ayesha Siddika Hall, and Begum Fazilatunnesa Mujib Hall has been renamed Fatema Tuz Zohra Hall.
The decision was made at the university’s 237th syndicate meeting held on Thursday, September 25, which continued from 3:00 pm to 10:00 pm.
According to university sources, the research center was established on October 23, 2016, based on a decision made in the 201st syndicate meeting. Its objectives included launching and conducting research projects on Bangabandhu in collaboration with universities and institutions, providing financial assistance to PhD and MPhil researchers focusing on Bangabandhu’s life and leadership, disseminating research findings both at home and abroad, and recommending their application in national development planning. However, allegations persist that these objectives have remained unfulfilled since its establishment.
Following the fall of Sheikh Hasina’s government on August 5 last year, students demanded changes in the names of residential halls as well as the research center. Responding to those demands, the university authorities approved the renaming decision in the latest syndicate meeting.
The meeting also finalized the names of three newly constructed residential halls: the male dormitory has been named Gazi Burhan Uddin Hall, the female dormitory Sumaiya Binte Khubbat Hall, and the international dormitory M Saifur Rahman Hall.
After the syndicate meeting, Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. A. M. Sarwaruddin Chowdhury stated, “The research center and the residential halls have been renamed in accordance with the demands of the students. The meeting also discussed other important issues, including punishment for those involved in attacks on students during the July movement and the upcoming SUCSU election.”
