The new Vice-Chancellor, Dr Md Sajedul Karim, and Treasurer, Dr Md Ismail Hossain of Shahjalal University of Science and Technology (SUST), were sworn in on Thursday by the coordinators of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement.
This unique event took place in the administrative building's conference room, led by the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement's coordinators, including Palash Bakhtiar. At that time, the central coordinator of the student movement, Asadullah Al Ghalib, was present along with general students.
The pledge expressed gratitude for overcoming past challenges and committed to fostering a student-friendly environment. It acknowledged the sacrifices of those involved in the July Revolution and promised to elevate SUST in education and research.
However, the ceremony has stirred heated debate on social media. Many students question the appropriateness of the student leaders administering the oath. Some, like Sajib Saj, a SUST student praised the coordinators for their sense of responsibility. In contrast, another student Md Shahriar called it "ridiculous and shameful," suggesting a formal meeting would have sufficed. Another student Abdus Salam raised concerns about the respect and context surrounding the oath. In response to the backlash, Vice-Chancellor Sajedul Karim clarified that the event was spontaneous. He noted that the students’ passionate words reflected their frustration over recent campus closures and their hopes for the new administration.
The incident highlights the ongoing tensions within the university and the students' desire for meaningful engagement with their leaders.
