9 sued for protesting shady appointment at college

The accused are: Dr Shahidur Rahman, founder of the college, Dr Abul Bashar and college teachers Abdullah Al Mamun, Amjad Hossain, Baki Billah, Muhammad Habibul Islam and Azizul Islam and others.

Acting principal of the college, Obaidullah Gazanfar filed the case under Speedy Trial Act with Sadar Police Station Sunday night. It followed the acting principal's controversial appointment ignoring a decision of the college governing body.

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The complainant, Obaidullah Gazanfar said the accused drove him out of his office after assaulting him.

Earlier, Razia Khatun, a senior teacher was appointed acting principal of the college at a college governing body meeting held with Jamaat lawmaker Abdul Khaleque in the chair on May 12. Eleven out of 12 members okayed the appointment.

Later, Khaleque appointed Obaidullah Gaznafar acting principal of the college ignoring the governing body decision. It created a conflict between the Jamaat lawmaker and members of the college governing body.

Following the conflict, Obaidullah Gaznafar filed the case. Locals alleged that the lawmaker influenced police to record the case.

A public meeting was held at Banshdah bazar condemning the appointment on June 10. Banshdah Union Parishad (UP) chairman Shahiduzzaman Helal was in the chair.

Speakers demanded immediate withdrawal of the case. They threatened a tougher agitation if the false case is not withdrawn immediately.

Terming the lawmaker's decision undemocratic and arbitrary, they said he had implicated the college governing body members in a false case through Obaidullah Gaznafar.

They brought allegations against the lawmaker and his relatives for earning lakhs of taka through corrupt practices.

Among others, college founder Dr Shahidur Rahman, SM Shawkat Hossain, Syed Firoz Kamal Shuvra, Firoz Ahmed, Shahjahan Ali and Azizul Haque addressed.

On contact, the lawmaker denied all the allegations saying he has nothing to do regarding filing of the case.