Teachers and staff of Patuakhali Science and Technology University (PSTU) continued their work abstention for the eight consecutive day on Monday demanding removal of Vice-Chancellor Kazi Rafiqul Islam.

The protesters staged demonstration and sit-in programmes on the campus around 11 am on Monday.

Teachers, staff members and students under the banner of ‘Unity Alliance’ have been carrying out various protest programmes since May 11 against alleged corruption and irregularities by university’s Vice-Chancellor Dr. Kazi Rafiqul Islam.

During the protest on May 11, outsiders reportedly entered the campus in support of the Vice-Chancellor and carried out attack on the protesters, leaving 30 people injured.

Protesting the attack, the anti-VC teachers held a press conference on campus strongly condemning the attack, while students staged demonstrations both inside and outside the campus.

They also blocked Dumki–Bauphal–Barishal highway.

Later, the university’s Dean Council, teachers, officers, employees, and students announced an indefinite shutdown of the university.

Proctor Atikur Rahman and Proctor Abul Bashar Khan said teachers suspended final examinations  in various faculties while general students boycotted classes and joined the movement.

Officer-in-Charge of Dumki Police Station Selim Uddin said that three people were arrested after a case was filed over the attack on teachers and university officials  on the campus.

Vice-Chancellor Dr. Kazi Rafiqul Islam said he is currently in Dhaka.

He also described the movement taking place in his absence as unfortunate and unreasonable.

Concerns are growing among general students about the possibility of session delays.

In this emerging situation, parents and guardians are calling for intervention from the relevant higher authorities to resolve the crisis.