Students disrupt Victory Day event at CU over presence of ‘controversial’ pro-VC

A group of students, led by Chhatra Dal, protested the presence of Pro Vice-Chancellor (Academic) Professor Mohammad Shamim Uddin Khan at a Victory Day remembrance discussion organised at Chittagong University (CU) on Tuesday, sparking tensions with Islami Chhatrashibir.

After the discussion began at Jarul Tala of the university, CUCSU Assistant General Secretary (AGS) Ayubur Rahman Taufiq, elected from Chhatra Dal, took to the stage and announced a boycott.

The announcement created chaos at the venue for some time. But, the event later concluded peacefully.

Chhatra Dal and several other student organisations have been demanding the resignation of Professor Shamim over his controversial remarks regarding the killing of intellectuals during the Liberation War.

At a programme organised marking the “Martyred Intellectuals Day” on Sunday, the Pro VC claimed that the it is “illogical” that Pakistani forces killed Bangladeshi intellectuals ahead of their official surrender to joint forces.

Protesting the remarks, students under the banner of “All-Party Student Unity” locked all gates of the administrative building of the university and staged demonstrations on Monday.

The protest programme was later relaxed at night to facilitate the Victory Day celebrations.