JU students form human chain protesting 'fascist' slur against VC
Philosophy dept demands justice for attempted rape of fellow student by an outsider, say slam 'diverted' agenda
A group of Jahangirnagar University (JU) students staged a human chain this morning (17 May), condemning the labelling of Vice-Chancellor Kamrul Ahsan as a "fascist" by a faction of protesters.
They took position at the university's Shaheed Minar and demanded the immediate arrest and fair trial of those responsible for the recent incident of attempted rape and assault of a female student.
Highlighting VC Kamrul's contributions against fascism, the speakers said such remarks not only harm him but also tarnish the dignity of the teaching profession at the university.
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During the human chain, Rubina Jahan Tithi, a student from the Philosophy Department, said, "Students will always speak up and protest for just demands. However, the language of that protest must be polite, decent, and responsible."
She added that despite being public university students, if they forget the boundaries of respectful behaviour toward a teacher, it is highly condemnable and a reprehensible act.
Earlier on 16 May, at around 2:00am, as part of an ongoing protest against an attempted rape of a female student, a group of students took position in front of the vice-chancellor's residence, demanding the proctor's resignation.
At one point during an altercation, some protesting students got into an argument with the vice-chancellor and labelled him a "fascist".
Mohammad Ali Chishty, a Jucsu executive member, said following the recent incident, the sole demand of everyone at the university should have been the swift arrest of the accused, exemplary punishment, and ensuring campus security.
However, a specific group has diverted the core demand for justice by bringing the issue of administrative resignation to the forefront.
He said, "Even before the July movement, the vice-chancellor took a stand in favour of the students and against [former ruling party] Awami oppression. Calling such a teacher a 'fascist' is shameful for the university's student community and the activists."
