Protesting students at CUET have offered the newly appointed Vice-Chancellor (VC) Sheikh Shariful Alam, an opportunity to leave the VC residence on the condition that he resigns.
Speaking in the presence of media personnel on Monday, the students stated that if the VC hands over a written resignation letter to them or publicly announces his resignation, they will unlock the building and allow him to leave the campus safely.
The students warned that if the Alam refuses to resign, he will remain blockaded inside the residence until their demand for the reinstatement of former Vice-Chancellor Abu Sadat Muhammad Sayem is met.
Earlier on Monday morning, newly appointed VC Sheikh Shariful Alam arrived on campus and entered VC residence, after which students locked the inner gate of the building, leaving him blockaded inside.
The students noted that an ultimatum had been given to him to vacate the building by 12pm.
As he did not leave within the stipulated time, the main gate was locked and the power supply to the building was disconnected, according to their statement.
The protesting students alleged that following an attack on buses carrying students at the Madunaghat and Chandgaon terminals, the VC entered the campus accompanied by outsiders, raising concerns regarding student security.
However, no independently verified evidence supporting the allegation of the Vice-Chancellor’s involvement in the bus attacks was presented in their statement.
Addressing reporters, the students stated that they do not desire conflict and do not believe in human rights violations.
They explained that their proposal to offer Alam a safe exit was intended to prevent future false propaganda against them.
The students claimed that if he rejects their proposal, he is choosing to remain voluntarily blockaded, placing responsibility for any subsequent situation on him.
Students at CUET have been observing a “complete shutdown” programme since 22 September demanding the reinstatement of former Vice-Chancellor Abu Sadat Muhammad Sayem.
