4 teachers against 20 posts, students boycott classes

There are only four teachers against 20 posts in the unit with over 100 students, sources said.

The students observed a daylong hunger strike in front of the CMC principal's office on Saturday. They will also "close" the outdoor at dental unit from today and will call a student strike at the CMC from May 30.

Tap here to add The Daily Star as a trusted source

"Our movement is not against of any person but to save the institution. For this we are ready to sacrifice anything." Haris Mohammad Oliur Rahman, president of the Chittagong Dental Chhatra Sangram Parishad told this correspondent.

He said they will continue the strike until their demand is met.

While visiting the dental unit on Monday, this correspondent saw that all the classrooms were locked from outside.

The lone demonstrator, Dr. Monoj Barua, said the classrooms are under lock and key since May 18.

The students alleged that Assistant Professor Dr Akkas Ali, head of the department, lives in Dhaka with family and remains busy with private practice at Brahmanbaria. He takes classes only three days a week. Assistant Professor Dr Mostaque Hasan also stays in Dhaka with his family and takes his classes only two days a week.

The two others, who are junior teachers, are also busy in private practice, they alleged.

The dental unit was set up in 1990 with 20 students.

CMC Principle Dr. B Chowdhury Mahmud, when contacted, said he is trying his best to solve the crisis.

When contacted over cell phone, Dr Akkas Ali said he is busy with official work in Dhaka.

He disconnected the phone line when asked about his private practice at Brahmanbaria.

The students also said that the teachers are on deputation and so they do not take any interest.