Teachers' row makes students victims

The teachers of geography and environment at Jahangirnagar University continued their work stoppage for the seventh day yesterday, increasing the likelihood of session jams.

They demand legal action against their colleague, Prof Manzurul Hassan.

However, students are aggrieved at the teachers' way of protest which invariably affects classes and exams.

“Why the means of protest always has to be refraining from academic activities?" asked a fourth-year student wishing anonymity. "There are other peaceful ways," he said.

Students alleged that the schedule for third-year final examinations was finalised but because of the protest, the whole process was now in uncertainty.

Prof Manzurul faces allegations of delaying the 2011-12 master's final examinations by one year, filing a writ petition against the department, and "threatening" other teachers and students. He denies all the accusations.

Last week the students met Vice Chancellor Prof Farzana Islam, and were assured that there would be some way out but nothing happened till yesterday.

Saidur Rashid, a professor, said the VC would give a response to their demand today.