DHAKA: The High Court on Tuesday (Oct 10) declared illegal the July 29 Dhaka University (DU) special senate meeting and also the three-member VC-nominee panel approved by the meeting. 

The court also directed the DU authorities to take necessary steps to form the Senate body in proper process within six months.

An HC bench comprising Justice Kazi Mohammad Izarul Huq and Justice Jinat Ara passed the order after hearing a writ filed challenging the legality of the meeting. 
Lawyer Qamrul Huq Siddique along with lawyer Ashiqul Huq moved for DU while Barrister Mostafizur Rahman Khan moved for the writ in court.

Earlier on July 16, DU registrar sent a letter to Senate members calling the meeting. In the letter it was said that Vice-chancellor has called the meeting at 4:00pm on July 29 by exercising the power bestowed upon him by section 21 (2) of the Dhaka University Order, 1973. At the senate meeting, a three member panel will be nominated to appoint the new VC of DU.

Later 15 people including teachers and registered graduates filed a writ petition with the High Court challenging the legality of letter for calling the senate meeting.

On July 24, the HC stayed the senate meeting and issued a rule asking authorities concerned to explain why it should not declare the meeting illegal.

Later DU authority filed an appeal against the HC order and chamber court of the SC appellate division stayed the HC stay order till July 30. 

Despite complaints of many DU teachers and students, the Senate meeting held as per schedule on July 29 and a three-member VC panel was nominated.

On Aug 21, the HC started hearing on its rule. After completing the hearing on Sunday (Oct 8), the HC fixed Oct 10 for verdict.

BDST: 1730 HRS, OCT 10, 2017
AP/SMS