‘Complete shutdown’ by Rajshahi University teachers, staff enters 2nd day

Teachers and staff members of the university are observing a sit-in programme at the Buddhijibi Chattar

Teachers and staff members of Rajshahi University are conducting a second day of a “complete shutdown” programme protesting the assault of teachers and calling for the reinstatement of the “dependent quota”.

They began staging a sit-in programme at the Budhijibi Chattar at 10am on Tuesday, bringing campus activities to a halt.

Prof Aminul Islam, general secretary of the Jatiyatabadi Teachers Forum, said: "Today's programme is being held according to our previous announcement. All classes, examinations and administrative activities of the university will be closed until our demands are met."

However, the protesters met with the university's pro vice-chancellor at 12:30pm to discuss the shutdown, said Pro Vice-Chancellor (Administration) Professor Main Uddin. The meeting continued until 1:30pm.

Main Uddin said the authorities urged the Officers’ Association leaders to withdraw the work stoppage at the meeting.

Before the meeting, Officers' Association President Moktar Hossain said: "Pro-Vice Chancellor Main Uddin Sir has called us for discussions. We will be able to announce a decision after the discussions."

Meanwhile, despite the announcement of a complete shutdown, with all academic and administrative activities of the university to be suspended, some offices still remained open. Activities are ongoing at the offices of the two pro vice-chancellors, the registrar, and public relations offices.

Pro Vice-Chancellor (Education) Professor Farid Khan said, "The programmes of teachers and officers are not related to the administration. I came on Monday as well, but no one opened the office. I was compelled to go home. Today (Tuesday) some people came and opened the office as I was standing in front of it."

"They came to the office voluntarily. I didn't say anything to them because they are independent. They can stage protests to press for their demands," he said.

Earlier on Saturday, a scuffle broke out between the teachers and students over the reinstatement of a “dependent quota”. Later that day, the administration suspended the controversial quota following persistent protests. It was suspended in the syndicate meeting on Sunday as well.

On Sunday, the Officers Association, Trade Union, and Jatiyatabadi Teachers Forum announced the “complete shutdown” programme.

Amid the continuing shutdown programme, the Election Commission has rescheduled the Rajshahi University Central Students' Union (RUCSU) elections from Sept 25 to Oct 16, citing an “absence of voters”.