Dhaka University (DU) authorities have turned down the plea to take the mortal remains of controversial TV commentator Piash Karim's to the Central Shaheed Minar.
DU Proctor-in-Charge Amzad Ali on Wednesday said that Muktijoddha Sangshad Santan Command had already sought permission for programmes at the Shaheed Minar on Thursday and Friday. Authorities have granted the permission.
"Before securing our permission, Piash Karim's family informed the media that the body will be brought to Shaheed Minar. There is nothing about giving permission or taking liability for it," Ali said.
The late commentator's brother, Lotus Karim, however, had said earlier that they would drop the plan if 'security was not ensured' amid protest from the university's student organisations.
Piash Karim, who taught at BRAC University's Department of Economics and Social Science, died of a cardiac arrest on Monday.
Karim faced considerable flak for criticising the mass uprising in Shahbagh demanding maximum punishment for war criminals. He was widely criticised for his controversial remarks over the trial processes of the International Crimes Tribunal.
Protest from different quarters, including the Ganajagaran Mancha, erupted after Karim's family announced that the body would be taken to the Shaheed Minar so that mourners can pay their respect. The social media was also flooded with comments on the issue. Meanwhile, the BNP has announced mourning programmes on Friday.
A group of angry artists have painted the street near Shaheed Minar in protest.
Amid the furore over the issue, Karim's family said on Wednesday they would drop the plan if security was not ensured. Chhatra Sangram Parishad, a platform of pro-government student organizations, on Wednesday declared that they would resist any bid to bring the body of BRAC University Professor Dr Piash Karim to the Central Saheed Minar in the capital.