Sust VC opponents publish 'white paper'

A faction of pro-Awami League teachers of the Shahjalal University of Science and Technology (Sust), who are demanding resignation of the vice chancellor since mid-April, yesterday published a "white paper" listing a set of allegations against him and besieged his office for the fourth consecutive day.

However, some "general" students organised a procession, a human chain, and a signature collection campaign urging the agitating teachers to call off the protest and help keep congenial atmosphere on the campus.

Sust Teachers' Association President Prof Kabir Hossain also called for an end to the teachers' protest.

The white paper stated that VC Prof Aminul Haque Bhuiyan appointed his wife's "brother" as a class II official violating the age limit, and some distant relatives to other posts.

Accusing him of misusing funds, it said the VC used to buy mineral water for drinking at home and bought milk powder, which generated a bill of Tk 84,000 recently.

He also increased the limit of expenditure per voucher to Tk 2,000 from Tk 800, the paper read.

Some other allegations include making foreign trips in violation of rules, frequently visiting colleges associated with Sust, inefficiency and failure to open new departments in his tenure since July 2013, and favouring some teachers.

The Daily Star could not independently verify the allegations, while the VC declined to talk.

Prof Syed Shamsul Alam, convener of the protesters' platform Mohan Muktijuddher Chetonay Udbuddha Shikkhak Parishad, said demonstrations would continue until the VC stepped down.

The protesters said the students who called for a stop to their movement were mainly leaders and activists of Bangladesh Chhatra League (BCL).

When asked Sust BCL unit's general secretary Imran Khan said, "We are supporting the programme of the general students."

All classes and examinations were held as per the schedule yesterday.