RU removes Zia Hall Provost after journalists’ protest

The decisions were announced by RU Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr Faridul Islam around 1AM on Tuesday after a meeting with protesting journalists and students at the vice-chancellor’s conference room.

“We have relieved the provost of Zia Hall out of respect for the sentiments of the journalists. The remaining issues will be addressed and those responsible will be punished following an investigation,” the vice-chancellor said.

The protesting journalists said they had placed six demands before the university administration. Of these, the administration accepted one by removing the hall provost, while seeking three days to implement the remaining five.

“We want the administration to conduct a fair investigation within these three days and ensure punishment, in accordance with university rules, for those involved in the attack,” the journalists said.

The provost had faced allegations of failing to take immediate action following the reported attack on journalists. The journalists also alleged that he refused to provide CCTV footage of the incident when they sought it and that crucial footage of the attack was later deleted.

According to the protesters, the attack and the situation that followed took place in the presence of the hall provost, but he failed to take immediate action against those allegedly involved.

The allegations prompted the journalists to demand his removal from the post.

However, the provost denied the allegation that CCTV footage had been deleted. He claimed that the CCTV system had been disconnected because renovation work was underway at the hall and that no footage had been stored.