SAU students oppose Secretariat relocation

Students of Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University (SAU) vandalised structures being erected for two fairs at the former trade fair ground in Sher-e-Bangla Nagar on Wednesday, protesting the government's plan to relocate the Secretariat to the site.

Carrying a banner reading “We Want Our Research Ground Back, Not a Secretariat,” the students damaged the entrance gate, stalls and a tin fence at the venue of the Asia International Trade Fair and Youth Fair.

The students gathered in front of the university's flag stand in the morning before marching to the ground, chanting slogans and demanding that the site be returned to the university for research activities.

They said they had asked the authorities on Tuesday to relocate the fairs and set a deadline for meeting their demand. After finding no progress within the stipulated time, they went to the site and vandalised several structures.

*    Vandalise trade fair site
*    Demand return of research ground

The students vowed to continue their movement until the ground was returned to the university.
Mohammad Monirul Islam Monir, officer-in-charge of Sher-e-Bangla Nagar Police Station, said the students damaged the entrance gate and a few small structures before leaving the site after pressing their demands.

Fair organisers alleged that equipment had been taken away from the site, causing losses worth several lakhs of taka.

Yusuf Sardar, who is involved in setting up stalls for the fair, said the organisers had obtained government permission to erect the structures and questioned why their work had been targeted.

SAU Acting Proctor Professor Tajul Islam said the university administration would address the students' demands and take necessary measures to prevent further vandalism.

The students have been protesting against the government's plan to shift the Bangladesh Secretariat from its current location to the former trade fair ground in Sher-e-Bangla Nagar, which they say is needed for the university's research activities.