Rajshahi University teachers, staff launch work stoppage over alleged ‘assaults’

They demand exemplary punishment for those involved

A group of teachers, officers and staff at Rajshahi University have begun a work stoppage, demanding exemplary punishment for those accused of physically assaulting senior officials, including the acting vice-chancellor and the proctor.

On Sunday, employees gathered at the university’s Buddhijibi Chottor, where they said the protest would continue until their demands were met.

The programme was first announced on Saturday by Prof Abdul Alim, president of the Jatiyatabadi Teachers’ Forum.

“On Sunday the acting vice-chancellor and other teachers were physically assaulted. He was not even allowed to enter his own residence," said Rajshahi University Officers’ Association chief Moktar Hossain.

“Those who were involved in such criminal acts must be identified and punished under the university’s regulations.”

Asked whether the demonstration would affect the long-awaited Rajshahi University Central Students’ Union (RUCSU) elections, he said: “It will not. RUCSU is of great importance to everyone. We have kept RUCSU outside the scope of our programme.”