An alliance of university teachers yesterday strongly condemned what they termed 'vindictive' punishment against two teachers of mass communication and journalism department at Comilla University, and demanded that the decisions be repealed.

A written statement signed by 156 teachers of various public and private universities said the punitive action against Mahbubul Haque Bhuiyan -- on allegation of providing information to media about anomalies in admission test at Comilla University -- as "abnormal" and "indicative of ill-intention on the university authority's part". 

Demanding repulsion of the decision, the statement said, "University Teachers' Network thinks such a decision does not only harm Mahbubul as a person, but is a threat to the dignity and safety of a university teacher, which is an ominous sign for the education environment."

The statement also condemned Comilla University's move to revoke the promotion of Kazi Anis, another teacher of the same department, over a 'feeble' excuse. It said Anis was promoted to the post of assistant professor by the 79th syndicate, but the next syndicate cancelled it, because his prior experience certificate was addressed "To whom it may concern" instead of "To Registrar".

"We see such a step as an undemocratic and hateful behaviour towards dignified and responsible teachers. This degrades the overall honour of universities in society," it said.

The statement was signed, among others, by Anu Muhammad, Kamrul Hasan Mamun, Gitiara Nasreen, Fahmidul Haq, Samina Luthfa, Maidul Islam, Ar Razi, Raihan Rain, Salim Reza Newton.

Meanwhile, University Students' Network also sent a statement to media yesterday, demanding that the unjust action against Mahbubul Haque Bhuiyan be repealed.

The university did not take any action against those responsible for a student coming into the merit list despite being absent in admission test, but formed two committees to find who disclosed the fraudulence to media, the statement said, terming it an instance of administrative corruption.