Chittagong University proctor Professor Dr Tanvir Mohammad Hayder Arif聽 resigned from his post on Sunday following student protests.
Professor Dr Hossain Shaid Shohrowardhy of the marketing department was appointed as his successor.
The resignation comes in the aftermath of violent clashes between the university鈥檚 students and local villagers in August 30鈥�31 following which the proctorial body was accused of being grossly negligent about their responsibilities.
Several student organisations demanded the proctor to resign, while nine students staged a hunger strike on the campus from September 10, pressing for the removal of the proctorial body along with six other demands.
The strike ended after 52 hours upon assurances from the vice-chancellor Dr Muhammad Yeahia Akhter.
On Sunday at around 2:30pm, Professor Tanvir Mohammad Hayder Arif announced his resignation at a press conference in front of the proctor鈥檚 office.
Expressing satisfaction over being able to spend one full year as proctor, he said at a press conference, 鈥楥ompleting one year is a historic event because no previous proctors could complete their term.鈥�
鈥楩rom my personal experience, I can say that no proctorial body should serve for a full year. One year is a very long time. In our country, there are still no proper arrangements for the proctorial body,鈥� remarked the professor.
Asked whether he was resigning due to the movement, he said, 鈥榃e took responsibility for one year. That one year has now been completed.鈥�
He was not willing to extend his tenure, he said, adding, 鈥榳hether others will extend theirs is their personal matter.鈥�
Later, an office order signed by acting registrar Professor Saiful Islam stated that Professor Dr Hossain Shaid Shohrowardhy had been appointed as proctor for a one-year term, with entitlement to all allowances and facilities as per university regulations.
The order will take effect from September 23 afternoon, according to the office order.
Meanwhile, outgoing proctor Tanvir Mohammad Hayder Arif has been appointed as director of the university鈥檚 Research, Publication and Operation Office.
Acting registrar Dr Mohammed Saiful Islam said, 鈥楢s the tenure of the previous proctor has ended, Professor Shohrowardhy has been appointed as the new proctor.鈥�
Professor Arif was appointed as proctor on September 22 past year.
During his tenure, he faced repeated criticisms, including when in February this year students demanded his removal over 鈥榠ndecent鈥� remarks about female students on social media.
Allegations of his close links with Islami Chhatra Shibir further intensified anger among student organisations, including Jatiotabadi Chhatra Dal, which intensified calls for his resignation.
Clashes broke out between CU students and local villagers on the nights of August 30 and 31 after which a section of students accused the proctorial body of negligence.
Jatiotabadi Chhatra Dal鈥檚 Chittagong University unit also demanded the proctor鈥檚 resignation, alleging his close ties with Islami Chhatra Shibir.
