RU teacher announces boycott of classes, exams over ‘security concerns’

He says he will not perform his duties until “his safety is ensured”

Assistant Professor Kazi Jahid of the Department of Computer Science and Engineering at the Rajshahi University has refused to take classes and exams citing "concerns over his safety".

In a Facebook post on Sunday, he wrote that he would boycott classes and exams until his personal safety is ensured.

Earlier on Friday, at a protest rally organised after the death of Inqilab Moncho Convenor Sharif Osman bin Hadi, Rajshahi University Central Students' Union (RUCSU) General Secretary Salahuddin Ammar said: “We will hit those who show flexibility in favour of Indian hegemony and Awami fascism, God willing.

“If any teacher, official, or employee of RU is found working with the support of Awami fascism, we will drag them by the collar and tie them outside the administrative building from Sunday.”

In response to the statement, Jahid wrote on Facebook: “I am sorry, it is not possible to take classes, conduct exams, or perform other academic duties due to security concerns.

“My employer, Rajshahi University, is responsible for providing a fair environment and ensuring my safety.

“It is deeply regrettable that while about 850 teachers have been continuously threatened with being dragged by the collar and tied up in front of the administrative building by entering their classrooms, the university administration has taken no measures to ensure their safety.

“From the moment the university administration ensures my safety, I will properly fulfil the responsibility entrusted to me, God willing.”

When contacted on this matter, Jahid said on Sunday: “After being threatened by mentioning numbers like the general notice, I do not feel safe at all.

“If more than 700 pro-Awami League teachers at this university are to be labelled fascists, then my name is included among them.

“Every teacher here is involved in politics. Everyone in the current administration is affiliated with some political party. That is why our names are listed.”

He also said the university administration did not contact him after he informed them of the security concerns.

Addressing the situation, Deputy Vice-Chancellor Prof Farid Uddin Khan said: “If teachers boycott classes and exams in this manner, it will create disruptions.

“Several teachers have raised similar security concerns. We will discuss the matter.”