Coming down heavily on those demonstrating demanding the removal of the Vice-Chancellor of Jahangirnagar University, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Thursday said they will have to face punishment if they fail to prove their allegations.

“If they fail to prove their allegations, they’ll be punished for bringing false accusations… we’ll definitely do this. Because, I can’t tolerate that the (JU) classes will remain closed for days after days,” she said, the UNB reported.

The Prime Minister said this while distributing cheques of financial assistance at a simple ceremony at her office among sick, financially insolvent and injured journalists as well as the families of journalists killed in road accidents. The money came from the Bangladesh Journalists Welfare Trust.

Sheikh Hasina said she has already directed the authorities concerned to keep the records and footages of speeches and words of everyone who is bringing allegations.

Noting that they must prove the allegations, she said, “If anyone fails to prove, the complainer will have to face the same punishment what may be awarded to the accused person as it is stated in the law.”   

“Legal actions will be taken if they raise false allegations. We’ll take such actions. I’ve made it clear,” said the Prime Minister.

“They’re calling the VC a corrupt. I would like to say it unequivocally that those who are bringing graft allegation, they’ll have to prove their allegations and provide information. If they can provide information, we’ll surely take action (against the corrupt),” she said.

Hasina said carrying out attacks on the VC’s residence, office, vandalism as well as disrupting classes and university activities in the name of movement is also one kind of terror act.

Information Minister Dr Hasan Mahmud presided over the function. State Minister for Information Md Murad Hassan and Chairman of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Information Ministry Hasanul Haq Inu were present as special guests.

Information Secretary Abdul Malek delivered the welcome speech.