Dhaka: The Appellate Division of Supreme Court stayed all activities of the three member-panel formed by the senate for upcoming Vice-Chancellor (VC) election of University of Dhaka.

A three-member of appellate division bench led by Chief Justice Surendra Kumar Sinha issued the order on Thursday morning.

Two other members of the bench are, Justice Syed Mahmud Hossain and Mirza Hossain Haider.

Barrister Rokanuddin Mahmud moved for the petitioner while Advocate ASM Mezbah uddin argued for Dhaka University.

Appellate Division issued the order after concluding a hearing on a writ petition challenging the legality of calling a special session by the senate for VC election. The court also asked to wrap up the writ with in four weeks.

Following a writ petition filed by 15 registered graduates, the High Court on July 24 issued a rule asking the authorities concerned to explain as to why the calling of the senate meeting should not be declared illegal and unlawful.

The education secretary, DU VC, pro-VCs and registrar had been asked to reply to the rule within four weeks. At the same time, the court had ordered the constitution of the DU senate as per section 20 (1) of the Dhaka University Order 1973.

On July 29, the Dhaka University senate nominated a three-member panel, including incumbent DU Vice Chancellor Prof Dr AAMS Arefin Siddique, for appointing a new VC.