Barishal University witnessed an unprecedented moment as Vice Chancellor Professor Dr. Mohammad Toufic Alam spent the night on the floor beside seven students who began a hunger strike unto death. Leaving the comfort of his residence, he joined the protesters under a mosquito net in the early hours of Friday (5 September), marking the first such gesture in the university’s history.
The hunger strike began around 9 PM Thursday night beneath the administrative building, following a 36-day-long movement demanding infrastructural development, land acquisition, and full transportation facilities. Despite multiple assurances in the past, neither the Ministry of Education nor the University Grants Commission (UGC) responded with concrete action, prompting students to escalate their protest.
“We have been demonstrating for 36 days. From road blockades to sit-ins, even occupying nearby construction sites, we tried every way to be heard. Yet nothing has changed. We will continue fasting until our demands are fulfilled,” said Sharmila Zaman Senjuti, a student of English.
Journalism student Amiya Mondal echoed:
“We suspended our program earlier on the VC’s assurances. But with no response from the ministry or UGC, we have no choice left but this hunger strike.”
The seven students now fasting are Sharmila Zaman Senjuti (English), Amiya Mondal (Journalism), Tajul Islam (Accounting & IS), Md. Abubakar Siddiq (Chemistry), Piyal Hasan (Philosophy), Tamim Ahmed Riaz (Public Administration), and Shawkat Osman Swakkhar (Law).
Shortly after midnight, the VC met with the students, offering further assurances of progress. When they refused to end the strike, he chose to spend the night with them in solidarity. Photos of him lying under a mosquito net beside the fasting students quickly spread across social media, drawing widespread attention.
Reactions flooded in online, with many praising the VC’s rare gesture. Marketing student Ahmed Munna wrote on Facebook:
“A Vice Chancellor who sleeps beside students on the floor during a hunger strike is a rare sight in Bangladesh. We are proud to have such a leader.”
Teachers also weighed in, noting that the act could help bridge the distance between the administration and the students. One remarked, “Leadership is not just about giving orders; it is about standing beside people in times of crisis.”
Proctor Associate Professor Dr. Rahat Hossain Faisal admitted the legitimacy of the demands, adding:
“Our development activities are ongoing, and land acquisition is in process. But the trust gap has driven students to this stage.”
As the hunger strike continues into its second day, the standoff at Barishal University highlights both the urgency of the students’ demands and the absence of decisive action from the authorities. While the VC’s night on the floor has drawn admiration, students remain firm — their movement will not end until concrete measures are taken.
