Over 100 Barisal University students launch hunger strike demanding resignation of Coastal Studies department chairman over session jams and mismanagement
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BARISAL – More than 100 students at Barisal University have launched an indefinite hunger strike to demand the resignation and removal of Hafiz Ashraful Haque, the chairman of the Coastal Studies and Disaster Management department. The protest follows allegations that persistent academic and administrative mismanagement under Haque’s leadership has caused significant delays in the students’ education.
The students initiated the hunger strike in front of the Vice-Chancellor’s office on Monday at approximately 12:00 p.m. Prior to the strike, they had gathered outside the office earlier in the morning. The protest was triggered after an ultimatum issued during a press conference on Sunday—demanding Haque’s removal by noon Monday—went unaddressed by the university administration.
Protesters cited systemic issues within the department, including biased conduct and a severe session backlog. Since the department’s inception in 2017, only two batches have successfully completed their undergraduate and master’s programs, leaving eight other cohorts struggling with academic delays estimated at 12 to 18 months. Student representative Nazmul Hossain stated that approximately 130 students have joined the hunger strike and pledged to continue until their demands are met.
Students allege that Haque has become authoritarian during his long tenure as department chairman. They contend that he frequently neglects his teaching responsibilities, leaving multiple courses unfinished due to his heavy administrative workload. Currently, the department operates with only five faculty members. In addition to serving as department chairman, Haque holds positions as the Dean of the Faculty of Biological Sciences, a syndicate member, and the Project Director of the university’s development projects.
Third-year student Naimur Rahman confirmed that a memorandum outlining their grievances was submitted to the Vice-Chancellor on Monday morning, but the administration failed to take action within the designated timeframe.
University Proctor Mehedi Hasan stated that officials are in contact with the students and are working toward a resolution. Vice-Chancellor Mamun-or-Rashid did not respond to multiple requests for comment.
Defending his record, Hafiz Ashraful Haque maintained that his multiple appointments were made in accordance with university regulations and that he exercised no personal influence to obtain them. He noted that he has served as the project director for the last 10 months and insisted that all roles were assigned through formal institutional processes. When contacted again on Monday afternoon regarding the protest, Haque stated that there were no updates to report.
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