Prof Aynul Islam says he could no longer continue working in an 'unpleasant situation'
Prof Aynul Islam has resigned as dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences at Jagannath University (JnU) today, three days after students forced him to leave his office over allegations of links to the Awami League during the July 2024 mass uprising.
He submitted his resignation today, citing personal reasons. The university has appointed Prof Shaolee Mahboob of the Department of Anthropology as the new dean.
Speaking to Media, Prof Aynul said, "It is not possible for me to continue working as dean in such an unpleasant situation. That is why I have resigned."
Asked whether he had been compelled to resign, he replied, "You may ask the vice-chancellor. I cannot say anything beyond that."
JnU Vice-Chancellor Prof Md Rais Uddin told Media, "Aynul Islam resigned citing personal reasons. I have accepted his resignation and forwarded it to the relevant office."
On July 7, the university appointed Aynul Islam as dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences through a notice signed by Acting Registrar Prof Md Sheikh Gias Uddin. He assumed office on July 12.
Last Thursday, a group of students entered his office at the Department of Economics and forced him to leave.
Leaders and activists of the JnU unit of Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD), Jatiya Chhatra Shakti, and students from different departments were present during the incident, witnesses said.
The protesting students alleged that during the July 2024 mass uprising, Aynul Islam attended a meeting at Ganabhaban with teachers aligned with the Awami League and took part in a human chain under the banner of the university's pro-Awami League Blue Panel the following day. They also protested his appointment as dean based on those allegations.