IU students block road for resumption of classes

They will continue the programme till classes resume.

At a rally on the day, the agitated students declared that they will stop operation of Janata Bank on the campus to press their demand.

Alongside, the Islamic University Teachers Association (IUTA), ruling BNP-backed Zia Parishaed and Awami League supported Bangabandhu Parishad continued their agitation under the banner of Bibhi Bidhan Sangrakhan Committee (BBSC- committee to protect rules) demanding resignation of Vice-chancellor Prof Mustafizaur Rahman for allegedly toeing Jamaat-e-Islami line in running the administration.

They also brought against him allegations of financial irregularity, nepotism in promotion of teachers and officials and ignoring national days like Victory Day and February 21.

But the VC did not pay any heed to the allegations as he is backed by the pro-Jamaat teachers group Green Forum and pro-BNP Peshajibi Parishad (professionals group), sources on the campus said.

Most of the classes are not held since January 1 as the teachers and officials demanding VC's resignation are staying away. The first year admission test scheduled for January 19 was also postponed.

Teachers belonging to the Green Forum tried to take classes in the Theology Faculty but could not take examinations due to non-cooperation by other teachers, the sources said.

Talking to this correspondent, Prof Ashraf Ali, convenor of BBSC, said, "The VC has lost all moral rights to stay in office as he betrayed with teachers, officials and staff. Majority of the teachers do not want the VC as he is unable to run the university."

When contacted, the VC dismissed all allegations as 'baseless'.

"They have made students hostages. Their so-called movement is illegal. They are drawing their salary but not taking classes. It is unethical", he said.