DUTA office vandalised

Miscreants vandalised Dhaka University Teachers' Association (DUTA) office on the university campus last night.

According to DUTA members, a group of 20–30 individuals broke into the Dhaka University Club around 10:00pm.

Entering the club, the assailants forced the peon on duty to unlock the DUTA office door, they said.

Later, they ransacked and vandalised the DUTA office, including the honour board.

They also ruined the floral wreaths in the office commemorating Martyred Intellectuals Day.

Talking to The Daily Star, DUTA General Secretary Dr Zeenat Huda said the perpetrators hurled expletives and threatened the office staff and peons while entering the club.

"They even threatened the teachers, saying that they would prevent DUTA teachers from organising any programmes. As a result, we could not hold any event marking Martyred Intellectuals Day."

Zeenat, a sociology professor, said, "It is unfortunate that the current DU administration has failed to protect the DUTA office and ensure the security of the teaching community. DUTA represents the entire teaching community, not any specific group, section, or faction."

Asked if any of the assailants were identified, Prof Zeenat replied, "We are still investigating the matter. We have already reported the incident to the DU Club and its concerned officials."

"We have also informed both the vice-chancellor and the proctor's office," she added.

Contacted, DU Proctor Prof Saifuddin Ahmed said the VC visited the scene.

Necessary steps will be taken, he said.

On December 8, a group of Chhatra Dal men removed the photos of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and ousted former PM Sheikh Hasina from the DUTA office.