JnUCSU demands proctor’s resignation

The Jagannath University Central Students’ Union on Thursday submitted a nine-point demand to the vice-chancellor, seeking the resignation and punishment of the university proctor over the recent attack on students.

The union also demanded legal action against everyone involved in the violence, whether students or outsiders.

JnUCSU submitted a memorandum to Vice-Chancellor Prof Md Raich Uddin around 11:30am on August 6.

In the memorandum, the union accused the proctor of failing to ensure students’ safety and alleged that he had played a role in the attack. It said he had lost the moral authority to remain in office and demanded an investigation into his conduct.

JnUCSU called for those involved in the violence on campus, outside the university and at the hospital to be identified and brought to justice. It demanded permanent expulsion for any university student found responsible. The union also urged the university administration to file criminal cases against outsiders involved in the attacks and regularly disclose the progress of the investigation.

Among its other demands were a permanent security policy to control the entry of outsiders and former students, and the release of complete, unedited CCTV footage to elected JnUCSU representatives.

The union rejected the neutrality of the investigation committee already formed by the university and demanded an independent, impartial and time-bound judicial investigation.

It also demanded that the university bear the full medical expenses of all injured students and provide them with necessary academic support.

JnUCSU said the administration must ensure the safety of teachers, students, officials and employees on campus and take responsibility for any failure to do so.

The union further demanded the removal of officials who allegedly failed to visit injured students in hospital after the clashes.

Speaking at a press conference after submitting the memorandum, JnUCSU Vice-President Riazul Islam claimed that more than 70 students were injured in the attack. He said the union had demanded that outsiders, former students and current students involved in the violence be identified through CCTV footage and face legal action.

JnUCSU also called for a code of conduct to ensure student safety and establish a campus free from what it described as the unhealthy political influence of non-students.

Responding to the demands, Vice-Chancellor Prof Md Raich Uddin said the administration would examine the call for the proctor’s removal.

“We will review whether there was any negligence in the performance of his duties and take a decision after a proper assessment,” he said.