BNP leader held for 'forcing' RMU VC to resign 

RAJSHAHI, Oct 7: A case has been filed over allegedly forcing Rajshahi Medical University (RMU) Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr Md Jawadul Haque and his personal secretary Section Officer Nazmul Hossain to sign resignation letters at gunpoint.

Nazmul Hossain, the VC’s personal secretary, filed the case with Rajpara police station in Rajshahi city on Tuesday night accusing 50-60 unidentified people.

Police later arrested Abdus Salam, vice-president of Rajpara thana BNP, from his residence in the Paramedical area of the city in connection with the case.

Rajshahi Metropolitan Police spokesperson Deputy Commissioner Gaziur Rahman said Nazmul filed the case over the alleged forced resignation, obstruction of government duties, intimidation, physical assault, looting of government property and confinement at the university.

After the case was recorded, police arrested Salam late at night and are trying to identify and arrest other accused persons by examining video footage, he said.

Meanwhile, university officials and employees formed a human chain on Wednesday protesting the alleged humiliation, assault, threats to the VC’s life and forcing him to sign a resignation letter.

The campus has remained tense since the incident, while officials and employees said they were unable to perform their duties despite attending the campus.

“An environment conducive to work has not been created at the university. The entire campus remains tense. Following such an incident involving the head of the university, everyone is feeling insecure,” said Deputy Registrar Dr Md Mofakhharul Islam.

On Tuesday, leaders and activists of BNP and its affiliated Krishak Dal allegedly entered the VC’s office and forced him to sign a resignation letter prepared by them.

He was subsequently removed from his office.

When his personal secretary Nazmul Hossain tried to protect the VC he was also assaulted and forced to sign a resignation letter. Talking to reporters later, VC Dr Jawadul Haque said some people backed by contractors and political groups had earlier held a human chain demanding his resignation.