Teachers abstain from classes in Bangladesh

The demonstrating teachers of Shahjalal University of Science and Technology (SUST) abstained from work for three hours yesterday protesting Sunday's “assault” on teachers.

Wearing black badges, they, under the banner of Mahan Muktijuddher Chetonay Udbuddho Shikkhak Parishad, brought out a silent procession and held a rally in front of the administrative building-2.

The teachers, who have been demonstrating for the removal of the university's vice-chancellor since April 12, did not go to class during the work abstention. Examinations at all departments, however, were kept outside the purview of their programme.

On Sunday, alleged Chhatra League activists swooped on teachers during the latter's pre-scheduled demonstration to stop VC Aminul Haque Bhuiyan from entering his office. Several teachers, including Prof Yasmeen Haque, wife of noted writer Prof Muhammed Zafar Iqbal, were assaulted at that time.

The incident triggered a firestorm of protest in the social media with condemnations from different political parties and socio-cultural organisations continuing to pour in.

A three-member probe committee, formed on Sunday night to investigate the incident, began its work.

Meanwhile, the BCL last night suspended three of its SUST unit leaders -- Abu Saeed Akond, senior vice-president, Anjan Ray, vice-president and Sajedul Islam sabuj, joint general secretary -- in connection with Sunday's incident, BCL central committee President Saifur Rahman Sohag told The Daily Star.

WORK ABSTENTION

The silent procession, brought out from the teachers' canteen, ended in front of the administrative building after parading the campus streets, reports our Moulvibazar correspondent.

There they held a rally and announced that their movement for the resignation of the VC would continue.

Speaking at the rally, Prof Zafar Iqbal said he would not press for punishment of the BCL activists over Sunday's incident.

“Whose punishment shall I demand? Because they are the students of this university,” the eminent educationist told reporters.

An acclaimed writer, he alleged that it was the university authorities who were using the BCL. “Otherwise, they [BCL activists] couldn't have done it.”

The professor of Computer Science and Engineering department said, “This is not the education we impart.”

“It's hard for me to accept it,” said Zafar Iqbal, who appeared shell-shocked after the attack yesterday.

Former university proctor, Emdadul Haque, sought Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's intervention in the removal of the VC within 24 hours.

Syed Shamsul Haque, convener of the teachers' platform, announced a three-day protest programme, including half-day silent procession today and work abstention tomorrow.

They would hold a token strike on Thursday and declare their next course of action, he added.

Like teachers, general students yesterday staged demonstrations under various banners condemning the Sunday's incident.

Meanwhile, talking to reporters, the VC accused the agitating teachers of putting students' academic life in jeopardy.

“The teachers who are involved in this movement are preventing me from discharging my duties,” Prof Aminul Haque claimed.

“My stance is clear. The president appointed me for four years and I will go when my tenure ends,” he added.

PROTEST AND CONDEMNATION

Senior Awami League leader Suranjit Sengupta strongly criticised the incident.

At a discussion at Institute of Diploma Engineers in the capital, he said there were allegations that the BCL activists assaulted the teachers.

He said they were embarrassed at the BCL activists' name being associated with the incident.

“We don't want such vice-chancellors who stigmatise students by using them for their own interest,” said Suranjit, also a member of the AL Advisory Council.

He sought the education minister's intervention for an immediate solution.

The BNP yesterday described Sunday's incident as shameful and regrettable.

“It is not enough to describe the incident as only regrettable ... It is indeed very shameful ... we strongly condemn it,” said BNP spokesman Asaduzzaman Ripon at a press conference.

Jagannath University Teachers' Association, Workers Party of Bangladesh, Ekattorer Ghatak Dalal Nirmul Committee, Sammilito Sangskritik Jote, and Bangladesh Mahila Parishad condemned the incident.