DU teachers’ group questions peers’ support for quota protesters

A group of Dhaka University teachers have questioned some of their colleagues taking the side of students and jobseekers demonstrating for reforms to the quota system in government jobs.

“We won’t condone assaults on the spirits of Liberation War in the name of quota protests and demonstrations (by teachers) in support of the protesters,” said ASM Maksud Kamal, President of Dhaka University Teachers’ Association, during a programme on Sunday.

The teachers organised the programme, a human chain, under the banner of “Conscious Teachers’ Society” on the Arts Building premises.

Some of the teachers claimed they also wanted “rational” reforms to the quota system, but “the use the issue for other agenda were unacceptable”.

“Reforms to quota system is a rational demand…then why are we creating an issue by supporting the students’ movement?” asked Sadeka Halim. 

Maksud Kamal also criticised the teachers backing the quota reform protesters for “questioning Bangabandhu’s role in the Liberation War”.

Supriya Saha said they were concerned over the educational environment of the university.

“An evil force is trying to destabilise the university,” she said.

Another group of teachers spoke out when the quota protesters came under attack allegedly by Bangladesh Chhatra League activists recently.

The protesting teachers also came under attack during a demonstration later.