Barisal University Students Lock Vice Chancellor’s Office Over Resignation Demand

Staff Correspondent

Students of Barisal University locked the vice chancellor’s office on Thursday after their ultimatum for her resignation expired. The students sealed the office with locks, removing the nameplate and barring entry from both sides of the administrative building.

The protests began after Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Suchita Sharmin refused to step down following demands issued by students on Wednesday. Demonstrators accused her of favoritism and delaying administrative tasks, including exam results. Some students claimed she facilitated appointments for controversial individuals, allegedly aligned with the ruling party.

During the demonstration, some students used offensive language, chanting slogans against the vice chancellor. Others claimed that the movement was being led by activists of Chhatra Dal, the student wing of the opposition BNP, aiming to install a vice chancellor favorable to their political agenda.

Reza Sharif, a former president of Chhatra Dal’s Barisal University unit, accused the vice chancellor of neglecting student concerns and prioritizing “controversial allies.” He added that the movement would intensify unless the vice chancellor resigned.

Meanwhile, student leaders vowed to escalate their protest by organizing a blockade at the vice chancellor’s residence if their demands remain unmet.

Acting Proctor ATM Rafiqul Islam confirmed that the administration was aware of the lockout but declined to comment on the students’ allegations.

Efforts to contact Prof. Dr. Suchita Sharmin for her response were unsuccessful.