JU students protest 'fascist' remark against VC

Students of the Philosophy Department at Jahangirnagar University (JU) formed a human chain and staged a protest rally on Sunday, condemning the use of the term "fascist" against the university's Vice-Chancellor (VC).

The programme was held at the university's Shaheed Minar at 11:00am. From the human chain, students also demanded a public apology from those who allegedly behaved disrespectfully toward the VC.

Russell Akand, former vice-president of the Philosophy Department Students' Association, said, "Some students from a particular organisation referred to VC Professor Mohammad Kamrul Ahsan as a 'fascist', which is highly condemnable."

"The VC has long stood against fascism and injustice, even at times when many others were not politically aware or active on campus. The university administration should take action against such 'mob behaviour'," he added.

Mohammad Ali Chishti, an executive member of JUCSU, said the main demand following the recent incident should have been the immediate arrest of the accused, exemplary punishment, and ensuring campus security.

"However, a particular group shifted the focus away from justice and instead prioritised the issue of administrative resignation," he said.

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