Class boycott by Khulna NIT students continues

Removal of chief instructor demanded

20 April 2009, 18:00 PM

Staff Correspondent, Khulna

Students of Khulna Nursing Training Institute continue their agitation demanding removal of Chief Instructor Marjina Khatun for her alleged 'dirty behaviour' with students.Photo: Focus Bangla

The authorities of Khulna Nursing Training Institute (NTI) yesterday withdrew the chief instructor and sent her on leave in the face of students' agitation. However, 170 students of the institute yesterday continued their indefinite class boycott programme and refrained from discharging their duties demanding 'permanent removal' of the chief instructor, Marjina Khatun, for her alleged torture on students. “I have formed a five-member committee to probe students' allegations against the chief instructor of Khulna Nursing Training Institute. The chief instructor has been withdrawn from duty today [Monday] and sent on leave until the investigation report is submitted,” Khulna Civil Surgeon Dr Lutfor Rahman said. The five-member committee headed by Deputy Civil Surgeon Dr Mir Daud Ali has been asked to submit report by next Sunday. Students, who launched their movement on Sunday, said Chief Instructor Marjina Khatun forced three fourth year students to run around the institute ground with shoes hung from their necks as punishment for not wearing socks during their duty at Khulna General Hospital. The three students told this correspondent yesterday that the chief instructor also threatened them with 'dire consequences' in case they go to media. Alleging 'dirty behaviour, corruption and repressive measures' against the chief instructor, several students said they will not return to classes until their demand for removal of Marjina Khatun is met. Marjina Khatun, who often mentally tortures students for minor faults, on occasions confined students under lock and key, said a student. Denying the students' allegations against her, Marjina Khatun said, “I wanted them to be disciplined as their profession demands it. They should not be wayward.” Action will be taken if Marjina is proved guilty as per report on findings of probe, said Civil Surgeon Dr Lutfor Rahman.