Rajshahi University teachers suspend shutdown, demand expulsion of attackers

The University Teachers' Association of Bangladesh (UTAB), Rajshahi University unit, suspended the ongoing shutdown and placed five major demands, including permanent expulsion of the students accused of assaulting teachers and their disqualification from contesting the upcoming Rucsu polls.

The demands were announced at a press conference held at the teachers' lounge in Juberi Bhaban around 5:30pm on Friday.

In a written statement, UTAB President Prof Md Mamunur Rashid said that on September 20, around 2:00pm, a group of unruly students physically assaulted several teachers, officers, and employees of the university. In protest, UTAB enforced a complete shutdown from September 21.

Following this, on September 25, the RU vice-chancellor convened a meeting attended by the pro-VC, the Nationalist Teachers' Forum, and Zia Parishad teachers to discuss the ongoing work abstention. At the meeting, the VC assured them of taking visible punitive measures against those responsible at the earliest.

"Considering this assurance and to keep the October 16 Rucsu election process on track, UTAB has decided to suspend its shutdown programme from September 28," Prof Rashid announced.

Apart from the demand for permanent expulsion, the teachers also called for immediate legal action against the culprits.

They urged the administration to guarantee a peaceful and democratic atmosphere for the upcoming Rucsu election and stressed the need for permanent steps to uphold teachers' dignity and ensure their security on campus.

When asked whether fresh programmes would be announced before the polls, Prof Rashid said, "The university administration has assured us that steps will be taken before the Rucsu election. If they follow through, UTAB does not feel the need for further agitation."

UTAB General Secretary Prof Md Jahangir Alam said, "The Rucsu election is being held after 35 years. We also want the election to take place, because it can fill the void in national politics. Our movement is issue-based. The university already has an election commission for Rucsu. If it can ensure a fair environment, the polls will be held on October 16."

Meanwhile, on Thursday morning, the VC met with members of the Nationalist Teachers' Forum at his conference room. Later, the forum issued a statement withdrawing its programmes.

The statement said, "Considering the VC's verbal assurance and in the interest of keeping the Rucsu election process smooth, the Nationalist Teachers' Forum has decided to suspend its ongoing agitation from September 26.

However, if immediate punitive action against the culprits is not taken and a secure environment for education and research is not ensured, we will be compelled to resume our programmes along with the general teachers."