After 32 hours of hunger strike, students of the University of Chittagong (CU) called off their protest last night following the university administration's decision to start the process of Fine Arts Institute's relocation to the main campus.

CU Pro-Vice Chancellor (Academic), Professor Dr Shamim Uddin, confirmed that the institute, currently situated in the city, will return to the main campus after 15 years.

The decision was finalised during the university's 561st emergency Syndicate meeting, which continued until midnight. Students called off their protest after they were informed of the outcome at 11:00pm.

"A total of six decisions announced today regarding the relocation have been approved by the university Syndicate," said Shamim Uddin.

"Once the decisions are signed by the Vice Chancellor, those become effective immediately."

Photo: Star

After the meeting last night, Pro-Vice Chancellor (Administration), Professor Dr Kamal Uddin, added, "Through this decision, we have ended the students' hunger strike and, more importantly, regained their trust. The relocation will start tomorrow (Wednesday)."

The decisions made in the Board of Governors meeting of the Fine Arts Institute held on February 27 and the 247th Academic Council meeting on March 12, were approved by the syndicate last night.

The six decisions include the commencement of academic activities of the Fine Arts Institute at the CU main campus, proper utilisation of the existing infrastructure, including archives, art galleries, practical laboratories, exhibition spaces, and student hostels, establishment of a new Faculty of Fine Arts at the campus, comprising four departments: Drawing and Painting, Printmaking, Ceramics, and Sculpture.

Furthermore, the university will ensure that all properties of the Fine Arts Institute under its jurisdiction in the city are properly maintained and secured and legal action will be taken against any individuals involved in illegal occupation or attempts to occupy the institute's property.

Additionally, a four-member investigative committee has been formed to identify those responsible for misinterpreting official documents, spreading misinformation, or concealing facts related to the institute's assets.

The committee will be headed by Professor Nesarul Karim of the finance department, with Deputy Registrar Abdus Sabur as member secretary. Other members include Professor Abdullah Al Mamun (Law) and Professor Manzur Morshed (Statistics).

Sohel, a student of the 2022–23 academic session, said, "The authorities have assured us that academic activities at the main campus will begin tomorrow. We are grateful to the administration for meeting our demand."

Students had launched their hunger strike on Monday afternoon, insisting that only an official Syndicate decision would be acceptable. In response, the university administration convened the emergency Syndicate meeting at 7:30pm yesterday.