The High Court has placed a three-month hold on the combined degree program at PSTU.

The High Court has granted a three-month stay on the decision made by Patuakhali Science and Technology University (PSTU) to eliminate its current Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) and B.Sc. in Animal Husbandry (Honours) degrees, while introducing a new integrated program named B.Sc. in Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry.

This order was issued on Wednesday (November 5) by a High Court bench consisting of Justice Md. Bazlur Rahman and Justice Fawze Ahmed.

The writ petition was submitted by Md. Amir Hamza Asif, a first-year student at the university, along with several other affected students, who were represented in court by Advocate Md. Badruddoza (Badol).

The petitioners contended that the university's decision to launch the new combined degree was made without adhering to Section 20(d) of the PSTU Act, 2001.

As per the law, any new department or academic program must first obtain a recommendation from the Academic Council, followed by approval from the Regent Board and the University Grants Commission (UGC). However, it is alleged that PSTU authorities introduced the program without fulfilling these necessary steps.

Following a preliminary hearing, the High Court deemed the students' arguments to be prima facie valid and thus suspended the university's decision for three months. During this time, students are permitted to continue their studies under the previous system.

The court also issued a directive requiring the university authorities to clarify by November 9, 2025, why the decision of the Academic Council should not be deemed invalid.

In response to the situation, Professor Dr. Hemayet Jahan, Pro-Vice Chancellor of PSTU, stated, "Our policy decision is that any enrolled student wishing to graduate with either the DVM or AH degree will be permitted to do so. No student will be compelled to enroll in the new combined degree. Even if just one student chooses the DVM or AH degree, it will be awarded accordingly."

In the meantime, Professor Dr. Kazi Rafiqul Islam, the Vice-Chancellor of PSTU, announced, "A petition will be submitted on Sunday to annul the writ. The university's legal advisor is currently addressing this issue."

When questioned about the status of classes and examinations in light of the High Court's ruling, the Vice-Chancellor explained, "We are pursuing legal measures to have the writ dismissed. For the time being, classes and examinations will proceed as scheduled."