57 HSTU teachers on hunger strike

Fifty-seven assistant professors of Hajee Mohammad Danesh Science and Technology University (HSTU) started an indefinite hunger strike yesterday, demanding removal of the proctor, registrar and students' adviser for their inaction in identifying and punishing the students who attacked them (assistant professors) on November 14.

A large numbers of students of the university, carrying banners and placards, formed a human chain at the campus yesterday, demanding stringent punishment of the students who attacked the teachers.

Boycotting their classes, the 57 teachers gathered in front of the administrative building and started indefinite hunger strike.

The agitating teachers said the Board of Regents (highest policy making board of HSTU) had approved their promotion on October 11 this year, but they were not getting their due increment.

They went to HSTU Treasurer Prof Dr Bidhan Chandra Hawladar on November 14 to discuss payment of their increment while a meeting was going on, the teachers said.

Suddenly, some students, allegedly incited by the registrar and the proctor, attacked them, Assistant Professor Krishna Chandra Roy said, adding that the attackers also assaulted some female teachers .