Section of FFs demands CU VC's removal

Accusing the Chittagong University (CU) vice-chancellor of being a fake freedom fighter, nepotism in teacher and staff appointments and patronising Jamaat-e-Islami and Islami Chhatra Shibir, some freedom fighters under the banner Muktijoddha Odhikar Songrokkhon Parishad, Chittagong city unit yesterday demanded that he be removed.

Its convener, Mohammad Idris, also president of District (South) Sector Commanders' Forum, read out a written statement at Chittagong Press Club around 11:00am, saying Prof Anwarul Azim Arif has been enjoying facilities meant for freedom fighters while 300 of the some 400 people he appointed were Jamaat-Shibir activists.

Seeking Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's intervention, the parishad issued a 15-day ultimatum, threatening a "hunger strike to death" otherwise. CU sociology department's Prof Gazi Saleh Uddin, Suvash Chowdhury, Anjon Chowdhury and Prof Muztafizur Rahman were present.

Denying the allegation, Prof Anwarul said Idris had initiated a slander campaign after seeking and then being denied a job at CU for being ineligible.