Unrest at Jamalpur Science and Technology University Over VC, Pro-VC Resignation Demand
Violence and serious unrest broke out at Jamalpur Science and Technology University (JSTU) centering on an ongoing movement demanding the resignation of the Vice-Chancellor (VC) and Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Pro-VC) over allegations of recruitment trade, nepotism, and discrimination. The situation escalated into repeated confrontations on campus, including physical altercations among teachers. As a result of the instability, nearly fifty students were unable to sit for their previously scheduled examinations, creating intense frustration and uncertainty among the general student body.
According to eyewitnesses, the incident began on Sunday morning, February 15, when a group identifying themselves under the banner “Teachers, Officials, Staff and Students Protesting Against Injustice to Protect the University” locked the university’s main administrative gate. The protesters alleged that since August 5, new forms of discrimination have been established at the university, built upon the sacrifices of martyrs. They claimed that large-scale recruitment trade is currently taking place under the protection of the administration and that followers of the Pro-VC are being strategically appointed with the support of the VC.
They further alleged that a specific syndicate — including Proctor Sadikur Rahman and Provost Farhad Ali — has effectively held the university hostage.
The situation took a different turn when the term “general students” was used in the protest banner. General students reacted angrily, stating that they had no involvement in the movement and accusing the protesters of using their name to serve personal interests. At one stage, general students removed the banner and broke the lock on the gate to enter the campus. They argued that it was unacceptable to use students as scapegoats in internal faculty politics.
In an effort to ease tensions, a discussion meeting was held at noon in the university conference room, attended by protesting teachers and general students, with Pro-VC Professor Dr. Mohammad Mosharraf Hossain present. However, instead of resolving the crisis, tensions escalated further during the meeting. At one point, protesting teacher Dr. Al Mamun Sarkar became enraged over a student’s comment and banged on the table while shouting in front of the Pro-VC. When Provost Dr. Farhad Ali and Lecturer Imrul Kabir attempted to calm him, a scuffle and physical confrontation broke out. Panic spread among teachers and students present in the room.
Due to the unrest, all classes and examinations remained suspended throughout the day, causing severe inconvenience for general students. Many who had traveled from distant areas to take examinations were forced to return home without sitting for their tests.
Subarna, a student of the Management Department, said that after arriving on campus in the morning and finding buildings locked, they were left confused and distressed. With no prior notice from the authorities, students now fear that their academic future has become deeply uncertain.
Speaking to the media, Pro-VC Dr. Mohammad Mosharraf Hossain said that discussions are ongoing with all parties and that efforts are being made to resolve the crisis as quickly as possible.
DBTech/DM/SA/OR
