Teachers’ Network condemns harassment of Prof Jamal on DU campus by students

They say no citizen has the right to lay hands on another on campus

The University Teachers’ Network has condemned the harassment of Prof AKM Jamal Uddin aligned with the Awami League–backed Blue Panel

On Thursday, Prof Jamal was chased off campus by students, led by a leader of the Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU).

The teachers’ organisation in a statement issued on Saturday said, “No citizen has the right to lay hands on another citizen over any allegation, no matter how serious it may be.”

“No student or teacher has the right to attack or humiliate one another on a university campus,” the statement said.

The “thuggery” must be stopped, it said.

The incident unfolded shortly after 1pm on Thursday when Prof Jamal of the sociology department and fellow Blue Panel academic Prof Zeenat Huda visited the faculty building for a meeting.

Several students claim the group had gathered there for a “secret meeting”.

Footage circulating on social media shows DUCSU leader AB Zubair grabbing Prof Jamal's hoodie as he attempted to break free and flee down the stairs. Prof Jamal eventually ran towards a waiting vehicle. Zubair followed, trying to stop the door from closing and pull him out before the car drove away.

As Prof Jamal and the accompanying teachers left the building, students led by DUCSU Social Welfare Secretary Zubair began pursuing him.

The statement said the responsibility of taking action against Prof Jamal only lies with the university administration. Taking legal action is the responsibility of the police.