The Islamic University (IU) unit of Jatiotabadi Chhatra Dal, the BNP's student front has issued a 48-hour ultimatum demanding the immediate cancellation of two recent teacher recruitment boards, accusing the university administration of political favoritism and compromising merit-based appointments.
JCD staged a sit-in protest in the courtyard of the administration building on Saturday afternoon, calling for the annulment of the recruitment processes - one in the Department of Folklore Studies (held on October 9) and the other in the Department of Law and Land Management (held on October 10).
Chhatra Dal alleged that the boards were manipulated to benefit 'ruling party' affiliates and members of pro-government student wings. The reference to 'ruling party' is understood to mean the NCP, part of the political rhetoric, even though on the basis of facts, the party cannot be described as such.
In addition to the recruitment issue, the protesters demanded the immediate arrest of those responsible for the murder of Sajid Abdullah, a student of the Department of Al-Quran and Islamic Studies, and justice for the recent assault on a university bus driver.
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Following the demonstration, a delegation led by unit Convener Sahed Ahmed and Secretary Masud Rumi Mithun met with Acting Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. M. Ayakub Ali to formally present their demands.
Joint Convener Anwar Parvez, Anarul Islam, Rokon Uddin, Abu Dawood, Ahsan Habib were also present.
Chhatra Dal claimed that in the Folklore Studies recruitment, candidates affiliated with the Awami League were allowed to sit for exams despite lacking proper qualifications.
They also criticized the appointment of 'a controversial figure' as chairperson of the Law and Land Management board.
Shahed Ahmed accused the administration of betraying academic integrity.
“This administration has shamelessly prioritized political interests over merit,” he said. “We demand the immediate cancellation of these recruitment boards within 48 hours. Justice must also be served for Sajid’s murder and the attack on our bus driver.”