Prime Minister and Islamic University Chancellor Khaleda Zia removed Vice Chancellor Prof Mustafizur Rahman from service yesterday.

The PM appointed Rajshahi University Economics Department Professor Rafiqul Islam the new vice chancellor of the university. Islamic University Registrar Dr Moslemuddin has confirmed the report yesterday afternoon.

An earlier report said the Bidhi Bidhan Sangrakkhan Committee (BBSC), a body of Islamic University teachers, officials and employees, at big joint rally on the campus yesterday gave a deadline for removal of Prof Mustafizur Rahman and announced a tougher agitation programme for non-

compliance.

The programme includes two-hour road blockade on Kushtia-Khulna highway in front of the university and protest rally on the campus every day.

The liaison committee, formed earlier with representatives of teachers, students, officials and employees will oversee implementation of the fresh agitation programme.

Prof Ashraf Ali, convenor of BBSC and president of IU Teachers Association (IUTA) presided over the rally. It was addressed by, among others, IUTA Secretary Prof Alinoor Rahman, Prof. Abul Ahasan Chowdhuary, Prof Shahjhan Ali, Dr. Tahir Ahmed, Dr. Makhlukur Rahman, Dr. Zakir Hossain, Prof Sawkat Jahnagir, Dr Rais Uddin, Kamal Uddin, Saiful and ABM

Siddikur Rahman.

Reiterating their demand for removal of the VC, the speakers urged the government to take immediate steps in this regard. There will be no solution the deadlock if the "corrupt and inefficient" V is not removed, the speakers said.

The BBSC leaders also criticised a group of IU teachers who are demanding removal of the university's treasurer Prof Mosarraf Hossain. This is a conspiracy to divert the attention of teachers, officials and students from the demand, they said.

According to sources, teachers aligned to Jamaat-e-Islami who are grouped in the Green Forum and Islami Chhtra Sibir (ICS) activists have raised the demand for removal of Prof Mosarraf Hossain, president of IU Zia

Parishad.

They held a separate rally on Thursday in front of the main gate of the university and demanded removal of the treasurer, calling him "corrupt".

Meanwhile, there is a rumour on the campus that Prof Rafiqul Islam of Rajshai University is coming as JU Vice-chancellor.

Fate of about 9000 students of the university has become uncertain as a deadlock is prevailing at the IU for several months.

The teachers, officials and students are demanding the VC's removal as he is allegedly toeing a Jamaat line and appointed many pro-Jamaat teachers and employees during his short tenure.

Allegations have it that the VC did not observe important national days on the campus.