Jagannath University dean resigns amid student protests over alleged political links

Prof Aynul Islam has resigned as dean of Jagannath University's Faculty of Social Sciences, stating he could no longer work under "unpleasant circumstances." His resignation comes just three days after students forced him out of his office amid allegations of ties to the Awami League during the July 2024 mass uprising.

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It is not possible for me to continue working as dean in such an unpleasant situation. That is why I have resigned.

Islam submitted his resignation citing personal reasons, and the university has since appointed Prof Shaolee Mahboob of the Department of Anthropology as the new dean. When asked if he was compelled to resign, Islam deferred comment to the vice-chancellor, stating, "I cannot say anything beyond that."

The university's Vice-Chancellor, Prof Md Rais Uddin, confirmed Islam's resignation due to personal reasons and stated that it has been accepted and forwarded to the relevant office. Islam was appointed dean on July 7 and assumed office on July 12.

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You may ask the vice-chancellor. I cannot say anything beyond that.

Last Thursday, a group of students, including members of Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD) and Jatiya Chhatra Shakti, entered his office. Protesters accused Islam of attending a meeting at Ganabhaban with Awami League-aligned teachers and participating in a human chain under the banner of the university's pro-Awami League Blue Panel during the mass uprising. These allegations formed the basis of their protest against his deanship.

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Aynul Islam resigned citing personal reasons. I have accepted his resignation and forwarded it to the relevant office.