Students of Chittagong Veterinary and Animal Sciences University (CVASU) have blocked Zakir Hossain Road to demand the appointment of a Vice-Chancellor from the current professors. They have also stated that no pro-Awami League teachers should be given this position. The protest, named 'Blockade', started around 10 am on Saturday. The blocked road is an important route, connecting Dhaka to Chattogram, causing vehicles to use alternative paths.
Graduate student Shahriar Hossain Talukder said that pro-Awami teachers have been running the university for 15 years, and the students no longer want these teachers in top administrative roles. He added that there are many qualified and neutral professors in the university, and appointing them would improve the university’s reputation. The students do not want anyone from outside the campus to be appointed as Vice-Chancellor.
The road will remain blocked until 6 pm, with a break scheduled from 12:30 pm to 3 pm. The students have said that their protests will continue until their demands are met.
The protest follows a torch procession on Friday night and earlier demonstrations on Thursday. On September 19, the students submitted a memorandum to the Education Advisor through the Divisional Commissioner of Chattogram, urging the appointment of a Vice-Chancellor.
This blockade is the latest in a series of protests by students demanding better leadership at the university.
