The Process of Stopping Students' Protest Is Cruel and Monstrous: Prof Dr Zafar Iqbal

Prof Muhammed Zafar Iqbal has condemned various attempts to obstruct the students' protest demanding the resignation of Farid Uddin Ahmed, Vice Chancellor of Shahjalal University of Science and Technology (SUST) in Sylhet.

He said that the measures taken to suppress the protest were cruel, inhuman and demonic.

He added that students would decide whether they would continue their protests even after breaking the hunger strike.

Earlier, the students ended their fast at the request of renowned writer Muhammed Zafar Iqbal on Wednesday (January 26). He then spoke to the media around 11:15 pm. He was accompanied by his wife Professor Yasmin Haque.

Zafar Iqbal said, "I am very sorry to say that the measures taken to stop the protest of these children are inhuman, cruel and monstrous."

"I assumed there would be a medical health facility here," he said. "I was in a lot of pain when I saw that there is no medical health facility here. When the children tried to set medical camp, they were restrained to do that."

Zafar Iqbal expressed his satisfaction that the students broke their fast after listening to them. He said, "Professor Yasmin Haque and I left Dhaka last night and reached here at dawn. We talk to our students. We ask them, your lives are very precious. You will not put your life in danger for such a person."

He added, "They have broken our fast this morning by defending our request. I have never had more joy in my life. I am grateful to them. Now they have to be taken to the hospital to make sure they are well."

Yasmeen Haque, who was by her side at the time, said that 27 students had broken their fast together. This is the greatest achievement of our lives. We haven't been here for almost three years.

In response to another question, Zafar Iqbal said, "I see the hunger strike and the movement differently." There is no need to go on hunger strike for this purpose. Because it is not sensible to give one's life for the person for whom they are going on hunger strike. If they want to make a movement, that is their decision.

Zafar Iqbal and Yasmeen Haque went to each of the hunger strikers and poured water in their mouths. At this time many hunger breakers broke down in tears. Zafar Iqbal put his hand on their head and comforted them.

Zafar Iqbal further told the media that before I came here, many people from the upper echelons of the government had spoken to me. I came here to talk to them. I will plead with them for the words they have given me; Let them keep those words. There is no difference between me and the students.

"If these words are not kept, I will understand that not only the students, but also me and all the progressive people of this country have been betrayed," he added. So I hope they keep it.