BU at a standstill as students continue protest, demand VC's resignation

Barishal University has come to a standstill following an academic and administrative shutdown called by students demanding the resignation of Vice-Chancellor (VC) Suchita Sharmin.

Teachers from all departments of the university abstained from classes today, expressing solidarity with the ongoing student movement.

However, demonstrating students have said that essential services, including the ongoing semester final examinations, medical support, transportation, and library access, will remain operational.

As part of the weeks-long protest, which began on April 16, students yesterday issued an open letter urging teachers and administrative staff to refrain from attending classes and office duties.

Earlier, they had locked several administrative offices.

Sujoy Shuvo, one of the protesters, said, "Our rightful protest for student rights has now turned into a movement demanding the resignation of an unprofessional, litigious, and incompetent vice-chancellor."

"We are united in our demand and will be forced to escalate our programs if she does not resign immediately," he added.

Unmesh Roy, chair of the Bangla department, said, "We stand in solidarity with the students' justified movement. We urge the administration to resolve this crisis by removing someone who is unwanted by both teachers and students."

Repeated attempts to reach VC Suchita Sharmin and Proctor Sonia Khan Soni for comments were unsuccessful.

As part of the protest, students have been holding torch processions, road blockades, sit-ins on campus, locking the VC's residence, and organising press briefings.