Aug 22 Campus Violence
RU teacher asked to explain his newspaper write-up
Rajshahi University (RU) authorities have issued a letter to social work department Assistant Professor Rabiul Islam asking him for 'detailed explanation and documents' about the subject matter of his write-up published in the daily Janakantha on March 15.
Prof Rabiul received the letter yesterday, he said.
In his write-up titled 'RU teachers' arrest, release and RU administration', Prof Rabiul Islam criticised the RU authorities role for release of the convicted teachers and students in connection with campus violence on August 22 and 23 last year.
RU syndicate in their meeting held on March 30 reviewed the teacher's opinion and consequently RU acting Registrar Prof Muhammad Sahfi on Saturday issued the letter.
Expressing resentment over the matter, several teachers of RU urged Vice Chancellor Prof Altaf Hossain, also chairman of RU syndicate, to immediately withdraw the letter.
RU former Vice Chancellor Prof Saidur Kahman Khan said university authorities have no right to take any steps against a teacher for expressing opinion in a newspaper as the University Act 1973 allows teachers to express their opinion independently.
Progressive Teachers Society convener Prof Abdus Sobhan said seeking explanation for writing in the newspaper is an expression of RU authorities' dictatorial attitude.
Earlier many teachers expressed their opinion in newspapers about RU authorities' 'corruption and irregularities' and RU authorities did not take any action against them, said several teachers on RU campus.
They demanded that RU authorities immediately withdraw the explanation letter.
Admitting issuance of the letter, Vice Chancellor Prof Altaf Hossain said RU authorities will take action after receiving 'explanation' from the teacher concerned.
For all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel.
Comments