Deans of two DU faculties resign

The Deans of two faculties of Dhaka University (DU) have resigned in the face of a student-led movement. The movement, which began on Monday morning, was sparked by the students’ dissatisfaction with the two deans, who were elected from the Awami League-backed teacher panel. The students’ main demand was the resignation of these deans, which they believed would bring about positive changes in the university. However, as there is no Vice-Chancellor in DU at the moment, the resignations will not be effective immediately.

Professor Abdul Basir, a faculty member in the Department of Islamic History and Culture at DU, was the focus of student protests that began in front of the Faculty of Arts. The students, demanding his resignation, witnessed him sign the resignation letter around 12:30 noon. Professor Basir wrote in the resignation letter to the Vice-Chancellor, “I am resigning from the post of Dean of the Faculty of Arts. The University authority will take necessary measures in this regard.”

Professor Nisar Hossain, Dean of the Faculty of Fine Arts, resigned in the afternoon in the face of the students’ movement. In his resignation, he wrote to the Vice-Chancellor, “A letter containing a four-point claim, including the resignation of the Dean of the Faculty of Fine Arts, has come to me directly in favour of the anti-discrimination student movement. I urge for me to be relieved of the responsibility of the Dean, even if I do not have any opportunity to apply for action according to the university’s rules and the investigation of a logical demand.

DU Pro-Vice Chancellor (Education) Prof Sitesh Chandra Bachar provided a clear explanation of the process for accepting the deans’ resignations. He stated, “I have received the news of the resignation of two deans. One of them was forced to resign. Their resignations will be accepted after the appointment of the new VC.” This transparency ensures that everyone is informed and involved in the process.

Tags: Bangladesh