Forcibly cutting hair: Rabindra univ students still on hunger strike, demand teacher be sacked

Students at Sirajganj's Rabindra University have been continuing hunger strike on the campus for the second consecutive day today, demanding termination of a department head who recently ordered haircut for 14 students against their will.

While talking to The Daily Star in the morning, Rukhsana Rapa, a representative of the protesting students, said, "We will continue the hunger strike until our demands are met." 

During the hunger strike, three students fell sick. Among them, two were admitted to a hospital, our Pabna correspondent reports quoting Rukhsana.

Amid the student protest, Farhana Yasmin Baten, head of the Department of History, Culture and Bangladesh Studies of the university, has stepped down from the posts of head of the department, proctorial body and syndicate member.

A section of student also brought out a procession on the campus. Photo: Star

Rowshan Alam, member of proctorial body who is now the acting proctor, said the syndicate will take decision after the five-member probe committee -- formed yesterday -- submits its report.

"We heard that some of the students fell sick after participating in the hunger strike. The university's medical team has already been informed so that they observe the situation and provide the students with treatment if necessary," Rowshan said, adding, "We are also trying to convince them to withdraw the hunger strike."

The students started the protest, boycotting the examination since Tuesday.

On that day, they submitted a four-point memorandum to the university authorities. The demands include Farhana Yasmin's termination, action against other teachers who were present at the scene, fresh exam routine and bearing the medical expenditure of the student who attempted suicide after the forced haircut.