Rabindra University students call off protest

Students of Sirajganj's Rabindra University yesterday withdrew their movement for demanding termination of teacher Farhana Yeasmin Baten, following "education minister's assurance".

Around 11am, the protesters opened the gate of the administration building, where they left the acting vice-chancellor and several officials confined since Friday to press home their demand.

Shamim Hossain, a spokesperson for the protesting students, told The Daily Star, "Education Minister Dipu Moni called me this morning [Saturday] and based on her assurance, we are withdrawing the protest programme."

Shamim said, "The minister assured us of justice, and she is sympathetic to our demand."

"But we will continue the peaceful sit-in programme in front of the academic building," Shamim added.

Hours after Rabindra University was declared closed for an indefinite period, the administration issued a notice on Friday confirming that the university will not remain closed. However, exams will remain suspended till further notice.

The aggrieved students have been demonstrating, seeking permanent expulsion of Farhana.

On September 26, the teacher asked university employees to trim male students' hair before allowing them to enter the examination hall.

Farhana, herself, trimmed hair for many other students, alleged the agitators.

Unable to bear the humiliation, one of the students tried to die by suicide, sparking protests.