CU VC resigns; seeks transfer back to management dept

Chittagong University (CU) Vice-Chancellor Professor Md Abu Taher has formally requested to be relieved of his duties amid ongoing protests. 

"On Sunday night, he sent an application to the President's office, seeking permission to step down from his role as vice-chancellor and return to the management department where he was previously employed," said KM Noor Ahmad, acting registrar at the university.

He further said, "It is supposed to be approved by the president. A decision has not yet been made in this regard." 

However, the provosts of all residential halls and the members of the proctorial body of the university have resigned in view of the demands of the students, he added. 

The unrest began last Wednesday night when the anti-discrimination student movement issued a 24-hour ultimatum, calling for the resignation of all administrative officials, including the Vice-Chancellor. 

When their demands were not met by the initial deadline, which was extended until Friday, the students intensified their protests. The students locked the Vice-Chancellor's residence and the proctor's office on Friday. 

The agitated students accused Professor Abu Taher of securing his position as Vice-Chancellor through collusion with the previous government. 

They also alleged that, during the anti-discrimination protests, female students were forcibly thrown out of the halls at night, while leaders and activists of the Bangladesh Chhatra League (BCL) were allowed to remain, reportedly at the administration's discretion.

Additionally, the students claimed that the university administration supported attacks on those protesting.

Professor Abu Taher, a member of the Bangladesh University Grants Commission (UGC), was appointed as the vice-chancellor of Chittagong University on 19 March this year. He took charge on 20 March. He is a professor in the management department of the university.