Pro-AL teachers of 'Neel Dal' boycott JnU Teachers Association election

Jagannath University's Pro-Awami League teachers' association, Neel Dal, announced today its decision to boycott the upcoming JnU Teachers' Association Election.

A letter was issued and sent to the election's Chief Election Commissioner Prof Md Abdul Alim in this regard today.

The letter stated, "In any civilised society, electing representatives through a democratic process is the first step toward building an egalitarian society. Those who have issued threats and written letters to render this organisation ineffective are not believers in democratic values. If such actions persist, the nation will soon fall further into darkness."

"It is unacceptable, undesirable, and contrary to democratic principles for anyone to pressure the commission through letters and coercion to prevent teachers from participating in the election. Such undemocratic behaviour at a top educational institution is deplorable," it said.

The teachers began preparing to take part in the elections when an Election Commission was formed this year. However, during the nomination form collection and submission period yesterday, a group of students under the banner of the Anti-Discrimination Students' Movement submitted a memorandum to the Election Commission, urging it not to accept nomination forms from a significant portion of teachers -- particularly members of Neel Dal.

The Daily Star has obtained a copy of the memorandum.

When asked, CEC Prof Abdul Alim, said, "We have a total of 658 voters. We are ready to provide forms to anyone who comes to collect them. It's not within our jurisdiction if someone boycotts the election."