The authorities of the National University (NU) have alleged that Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr ASM Amanullah was attacked and harassed by protesting students demanding an auto-pass, though the claim has been denied by the demonstrators.
The incident reportedly occurred on Monday afternoon as the Vice-Chancellor was returning to Dhaka from the university’s Gazipur campus.
In a press release, the university’s Public Relations Office said a group of degree third-year students surrounded the VC’s vehicle and engaged in disruptive behavior, leading to alleged harassment.
University officials claim the protesters were part of an ongoing movement demanding auto-pass for degree third-year students.
They also noted that this marks the second such incident involving the Vice-Chancellor, referring to an earlier attack on May 21 last year in which he was reportedly injured during similar protests.
Reacting to the incident, Professor Amanullah said the university administration cannot support what he described as unjust demands.
He reiterated that the National University does not endorse auto-pass, warning that such a decision would undermine the overall quality of education in the country.
He further stated that the administration is committed to maintaining academic standards and is considering stricter measures to discourage both auto-pass and the provision of grace marks.
The protesting students have denied the allegations of an attack. One of the demonstrators, Al Shahriar, said students only surrounded the VC’s vehicle to present their demands and did not engage in any form of violence.
He added that students have been protesting for an extended period without a response from the authorities and called for constructive dialogue to address their concerns.
AAH/MHK