The Jahangirnagar University (JU) has been closed for an indefinite period and asked the students to vacate their dormitories by 5:30pm on Tuesday.
The decision came following attacks at the campus on the protestors demanding the removal or resignation of JU Vice-Chancellor Prof Farzana Islam. At least 30 teachers and students of the JU claimed to have been injured in the attacks allegedly by the leaders and activists of Chhatra League, the students’ wing of ruling Awami League, during a protest program. The incident took place in front of the VC residence at around 12:00pm.
The JU university authorities took the decision of the closing of the university at an emergency syndicate meeting held at the administrative building on the campus with JU VC Farzana Islam in the chair.
JU acting registrar Rahima Kaniz said, as per the decision of the meeting, all classes and examinations will remain closed for an indefinite period from November 6. All residential students have also been asked to leave their respective halls by 5:30pm Tuesday,” said the acting JU registrar.
A section of teachers and students of the university continued demonstrations for a few days demanding resignation of JU VC Professor Dr Farzana Islam over her alleged involvement with corruption.
However, Dr Farzana repeatedly denied her involvement with any corruption.
The agitating teachers and students of the university finally confined the VC inside her residence on Monday evening to press their demand. But, Farzana Islam came out of her residence this afternoon with a move of another section of teachers, students and employees of the university.
Witnesses said, around 100 BCL men led by its JU unit President Jewel Rana swooped on the agitators. At least three journalists also sustained injuries in the attacks.
The spokesperson of the demonstrators, Prof. Rayhan Raine condemn the attack.
“No administration can sustain by force. We demand immediate removal of Farzana Islam as the VC", he said.
On the other hand, JU unit BCL president, Jewel Rana termed the protesters as Shibir activists. Asked about the attacks on the protestors, Jewel Rana said, "We want a campus free from Shibir, the students’ wing of Jamaat-e-Islami."
Some of the injured protestors were given first aid at the University Medical Center while eight others were sent to nearby Enam Medical College Hospital in Savar for better treatment.
