Students of Shahjalal University of Science and Technology (SUST) have expressed anger after former Proctor and Forestry and Environmental Science Department Professor Dr. Md. Kamruzzaman Chowdhury, an accused in the murder case of student Rudra Sen, was seen on campus.
The incident came to light on Sunday (21 June) when Dr. Kamruzzaman Chowdhury attended a reception programme for newly admitted students of the Forestry and Environmental Science Department. The development has triggered reactions from students who played leading roles in the July movement.
According to university sources, Rudra Sen, a student of the Department of Chemical Engineering and Polymer Science from the 2021–22 academic session, died after falling into water during a protest on 18 July 2024. On 19 August of the same year, former student coordinator Hafizul Islam filed a case with the Sylhet Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Court, naming 76 individuals as accused. The case included the then Vice-Chancellor, Pro-Vice-Chancellor and Proctor Dr. Md. Kamruzzaman Chowdhury.
Students alleged that during the July movement, police removed protesters from the campus following instructions from the former proctor. After the fall of the Awami League government on 5 August, members of the proctorial body resigned. Students claim that after remaining out of sight for a long period, Dr. Kamruzzaman has recently begun appearing on campus again. They said he attended a Graduate School Committee meeting last week and was later seen welcoming new students at the departmental event.
Md. Riaz Hossain (Rimon), Member Secretary of the SUST unit of Chhatra Shakti, alleged on social media that individuals linked to the previous administration were being rehabilitated under the current administration. He claimed that those accused in the Rudra Sen case, who previously avoided campus, are now participating in university events.
However, Forestry and Environmental Science Department Chair Professor Dr. Mohammad Redowan said the department had not invited Dr. Kamruzzaman Chowdhury. According to him, the former proctor attended the programme on his own initiative. He also stated that Dr. Kamruzzaman had not visited the department since 5 August. Regarding the welcoming of students with flowers, he said all faculty members were on stage and the former proctor joined them there.
SUST Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. Md. Khairul Islam said he had discussed the matter with the student adviser and proctor after becoming aware of the issue. He stated that the university administration would not support anyone found guilty and would not tolerate individuals involved in the persecution of students.
Asked whether action would be taken against the accused teachers, the vice-chancellor stated that he had assumed office only recently and needed to review the matter in detail before making any decisions.
//DBTech/JNNO/MUIM//
