Minister’s meeting with teachers fails to end deepening SUST crisis

The education minister has failed to persuade teachers of the Shahjalal University of Science and Technology (SUST) to drop their demand for the vice-chancellor’s (VC) resignation.

Though the minister had directed the VC not to make recruitments and order posting, the VC claimed that the minister had told him to keep working with the help of others.

A group of teachers affiliated to the pro-Awami League teachers’ panel have been demonstrating for VC Aminul Haque Bhuiyan’s resignation over irregularities and graft charges.

Last Thursday, Education Minister Nurul Islam Nahid had held a meeting with teachers’ representatives in Sylhet.

The minister talked with the VC the next day.

After Thursday’s meeting, the education ministry issued a press statement, curbing the VC’s powers.

It directed the VC not to make any recruitment or posting and not introduce any new system.

The minister asked the protesting teachers to make their agitation ‘decent’ and perform their educational and administrative tasks, it said.

Bhuiyan, however, claimed that he did not get any direction from the minister.

“The education minister didn’t give me any orders.”

He said, “I have appointed seven to the vacant positions following 37 teachers’ resignation. The minister only told me not to appoint anyone in the rest of the vacant positions.”

He claimed there was no barrier to new recruitments or holding academic council and syndicate meetings.

The protesters have withdrawn their sit-in demonstration in front of the VC office but will continue with their movement.

“We will persist with our movement until the VC resigns,” Syed Samsul Islam, convener of the teachers’ group, said.

The teachers would take out procession and hold a rally on Wednesday noon to press the demand.

The teachers, in the meantime, have decided to join classes and examination duties but refrain from other administrative works.

“We have already said we wouldn’t work with this VC. Every teacher will discharge administrative duties after the VC’s resignation.”

The VC had said he would not yield to a ‘movement launched with ill motives’.

“I want to work with all of them who are pro-independence.”

Asked if he had discussions with the protesting teachers, the VC said, “Not yet. But I wish to discuss with them.”