Begum Rokeya University in Rangpur (BRUR) has once again issued a 48-hour ultimatum for the appointment of a vice-chancellor, as frustration continues to grow among students, teachers, officials, and employees. This demand was made during a human chain held at Gate No. 2 of the university at 11 am on Saturday. Participants stressed that the absence of a vice-chancellor is disrupting the academic environment and overall development of the university.
Sabina Yasmin, a student from the English Department, voiced her frustration, saying, “We gave a 5-day ultimatum earlier, but there has been no response. We are standing here again because the situation is unacceptable. If the VC is not appointed within these 48 hours, we will block Mordan Mor and cut off communication between the entire country and North Bengal. We will not allow discrimination against Begum Rokeya University.”
Sumon Mia, a student from the Bangla Department, echoed similar sentiments, pointing out that the absence of a VC has hindered progress. "Our university, where a mass uprising began in 24, still lacks a VC. The students are suffering due to this neglect, and we feel like victims of discrimination. Our primary duty as students is to study and contribute to nation-building, but we are being forced into protests. We want to return to our regular class tests soon," he said. Dr. Mohammad Elias Pramanik, Associate Professor of the Computer Science and Engineering Department, highlighted the university’s struggles, saying, "The July uprising, in which Abu Saeed sacrificed his life, would not have reached this stage if it weren’t for his efforts. Although it started as a quota movement, it turned into a mass uprising. After Abu Saeed’s death, the Chief Adviser of the Interim Government, Dr. Muhammad Yunus, visited BRUR and paid his respects at his shrine. He heard the students' demands, yet it is unfortunate that we still have no VC."
He added, "Even the vice-chancellors who served in the past did not work for the university's development. The expectations of the people of Rangpur remain unfulfilled. BRUR deserves a vice-chancellor who will focus on its growth and meet the needs of its students and staff."
The university community hopes that the authorities will respond to their demands and appoint a vice-chancellor soon, to bring stability and development to the institution.
