Doctors differ over health of CUET VC after more than 24 hours in confinement

Chittagong University of Engineering and Technology (CUET) Vice-Chancellor Prof Sheikh Shariful Islam remained confined to his office for more than 24 hours as of this afternoon, raising concerns about his health.

Speaking to journalists, the newly appointed VC said he had been experiencing chest pain and a headache and required medical assistance.

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Around 1:00pm today, a group of students unlocked the main gate of the vice-chancellor's office to allow journalists to enter. About 15 students were seen stationed in front of the office with a microphone.

A medical team led by CUET Medical Centre physician Dr Md Shahabuddin reached the office around 1:30pm. After going to the VC's private room on the second floor and calling for him several times, the team was allowed to enter.

After the examination, Dr Shahabuddin told reporters, “He did not tell me about any chest pain. His pulse and blood pressure were normal. He did not say anything about going to the hospital.”

“He is fine and has no problems. I am leaving a written report. However, he is feeling uncomfortable because he has been confined for a long time,” the doctor added.

The medical team later left the office.

However, around 2:15pm, Dr Tiplu Kanti De, resident medical officer at Raozan Upazila Health Complex, entered the office after students unlocked the gate to allow him access.

After examining the vice-chancellor, Tiplu told journalists, “The vice-chancellor told me he was experiencing pain on his left side. He has hypertension. I found his blood pressure to be 150/100. He used to take medication for his blood pressure.”

“He told me he was ready to go to the hospital and needed a routine check-up,” he added.

Following the second assessment, several students raised questions over the discrepancies between the findings of the two doctors.

Dr Shahabuddin was subsequently called back, and both physicians went to examine the vice-chancellor again. Both came out at around 2:30pm and stuck to their differing assessments.