The agitating students of Shahjalal University of Science and Technology (SUST) have threatened to stop the emergency services if the vice-chancellor does not resign soon. Later in the evening, the agitating students surrounded the residence of the Vice Chancellor in front of the main entrance gate. After that, the electricity connection of the residence was cut off at around 8.45 pm.
Earlier, the protesters made the threat in a press briefing in front of the Vice-chancellor’s residence at around 2.45 pm on Sunday, 96 hours after the students went on strike.
Meanwhile, some agitating students said, “We, the students have been on hunger strike for five days in front of his residence. During this time, people are entering and leaving the residence of the Vice-Chancellor frequently. We can’t accept that. No one will be allowed inside the vice-chancellor’s residence from Sunday afternoon. Students will ensure that by creating a human chain.
They further said, “We will continue the movement, he will sit inside and enjoy all the opportunities, we can’t accept that.” Our movement is non-violent, but we are being forced to make that decision. ”
Speaking on behalf of the agitating students at a press briefing, Nafisa Anjum said that on January 16, the students blocked the ICT building demanding the resignation of the Vice-chancellor of Begum Sirajunnesa Chowdhury Hall. Within two hours of the siege, the protesting students were attacked by the police on the orders of the vice-chancellor out of arrogance and vengeance without any provocation. Where rubber bullets and sound grenades were fired to suppress innocent and unarmed students. In protest, 96 hours or 4 days have passed since the students went on hunger strike on Wednesday afternoon. They are slowly moving towards certain death. Yet, leaving the love for life, they are continuing their hunger strike by fighting to the death with the aim of realizing their demands. In addition to the previous 23 people, 4 more people have been added to the hunger till death program.
During the press briefing, Nafisa Anjum further said, “Our delegation took part in the discussion with the Minister of Education through video call at 1 am on Saturday. We were not given any clear word on the resignation of the Vice-Chancellor. Since we are mentally and physically incapable of leaving our starving students for Dhaka, we are always ready for any discussion through any medium, virtually.”
Nafisa Anjum said, “The Minister of Education has called upon us to break our fast and sit down for discussion. She was scheduled to hold another meeting with us on Sunday afternoon. However, it did not happen till 5:30 in the afternoon. At the meeting, we were asked to raise some clear allegations and claims in written form. We have prepared that. We are ready to hold talks with the education minister at any time.
