JU proctor resigns in face of agitation; temporary replacement appointed

In response to mounting agitation from both faculty and students, Jahangirnagar University‍‍`s Proctor, ASM Firoz-ul-Hasan, has tendered his resignation. Mohammad Alamgir Kabir, a Professor within the Statistics and Data Science Department, and Principal of Shaheed Tajuddin Ahmad Hall, has been appointed as the interim Proctor.

The decision to step down was communicated through an office order signed by University Registrar Abu Hassan on Monday (March 18). According to sources within the university administration, the resignation of ASM Firoz-ul-Hasan was accepted following his written request. Alongside his resignation, Professor Mohammad Alamgir Kabir has been designated as the temporary Proctor until further notice, effective immediately.

The agitation against the former Proctor stemmed from allegations of mishandling a troubling incident. According to reports, on February 3, a distressing event occurred where a woman was allegedly raped in the vicinity of Mir Musharraf Hossain Hall, while her husband was confined in a room within the same hall. The incident sparked demands for justice, with protestors advocating for the removal of those accused of negligence or complicity.

The ‍‍`Anti-oppression Forum‍‍`, representing the aggrieved students, outlined a series of demands, including the removal of ASM Feroz-ul-Hasan and Mir Musharraf Hossain Hall Principal, Professor Sabbir Alam, from their administrative roles to ensure an impartial investigation. This culminated in a blockade of the university‍‍`s administration building on March 11, with protestors steadfast in their demand for accountability.

After three days of blockading, negotiations ensued between the Vice-Chancellor and protesting stakeholders. During these discussions, assurances were made that both the Proctor and Professor Sabbir Alam would resign by March 17. Failure to comply would result in their removal from office on March 18. Consequently, Proctor ASM Firoz-ul-Hasan tendered his resignation on the specified date.

Accusations against the former Proctor include allegations of shielding wrongdoers by concealing various transgressions and failing to discharge his duties effectively, as asserted by the protesting faculty and students.