Students from the Department of Japanese Studies at Dhaka University have shut down the department’s academic and administrative operations in protest, demanding the reinstatement of their exempted chairperson, Professor Dr. Md. Jahangir Alam.
The protest, termed a “Total Shutdown,” has brought all departmental activities to a halt.
On Wednesday, February 12, at around 12:30 PM, classrooms, faculty offices, and administrative rooms on the 11th floor of the Social Sciences Faculty building were found locked. Posters on the doors indicated that the shutdown would continue until Dr. Alam is reinstated.
The students argue that a previously resolved issue has been intentionally revived. Dr. Alam was exempted from his position on February 5 after allegations surfaced that he had admitted Bangladesh Students' League (BSL) leaders into the Professional Master’s program without an entrance exam. The university administration took action following complaints from the Anti-discrimination Students Movement.
However, Dr. Alam has denied the accusations, asserting that the students involved in the protest are supportive of him. “The students actively participating in the movement are all in my favour,” he said.
On February 9, students submitted a formal appeal to Vice-Chancellor Prof. Dr. Niaz Ahmad Khan, demanding Dr. Alam’s reinstatement. The administration assured that a decision would be made after reviewing the investigation report by February 16. With no update provided thus far, the students have intensified their protest.
Dr. Alam expressed his frustration over the situation, stating, “It is unfortunate that I was exempted based on an unproven allegation. Since becoming chairman, I have worked tirelessly for the welfare of students.”
When approached by The Daily Observer for a statement, the department’s acting chairperson, Dr. Dilruba Sharmin, declined to comment immediately, citing an ongoing academic meeting with the Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences.
Protesting students have warned that if the university administration does not reinstate Dr. Alam by Sunday, they will announce more intense protest actions.
