Protest Against Attack During Anti-VC Movement at PSTU

Tension has gripped the Patuakhali Science and Technology University (PSTU) campus following an attack on teachers and officials during a protest against the Vice-Chancellor. In response, university authorities have suspended all examinations and academic activities indefinitely.

On Tuesday May 12 at 11:00 am, faculty and staff staged a sit-in in front of the administrative building. The protesters demanded the immediate arrest and punishment of those involved in the assault, calling for a transparent investigation and guaranteed campus security.

The unrest stems from a sit-in launched on May 11, where protesters declared Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. Kazi Rafiqul Islam "unwanted" on campus, citing allegations of corruption and irregularities. Witnesses reported that around 9:30 am that day, a group of outsiders—allegedly led by a local Jubo Dal leader—entered the campus and attacked the peaceful gathering.

Patuakhali Additional District Magistrate Md. Arif Howlader visited the campus today to assess the situation. "We are monitoring the law-and-order situation closely. Security forces will remain deployed until normalcy returns," he stated.

Professor Dr. Atikur Rahman, Dean of Postgraduate Studies, described the attack as "disgraceful and humiliating." He confirmed that all administrative and academic functions have been boycotted. "Our movement will continue until justice is served. Students and staff have joined us in solidarity," he added.

Speaking from Dhaka, Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. Kazi Rafiqul Islam termed the incident "unfortunate." He stated that an official investigation would be launched upon his return to campus to identify the perpetrators and take necessary disciplinary action.