Jahangirnagar University Teachers’ Association on Saturday started a strike for an indefinite period demanding the resignation of vice- chancellor professor Anwar Hossain.
Earlier, VC Anwar Hossain at a press conference on Friday warned the agitating teachers that he would take steps according to the service rules of the university act, 1973 if the teachers did not withdraw the strike.
About the teachers’ demand for his resignation, the VC said, ‘If I don’t resign, nobody could force me to quit as I am an elected VC.’
In protest against the VC’s warning, dean of social science faculty professor Amir Hussain said that the VC was on the wrong track because it would not be possible for him to take action against the teachers.
Meanwhile, General Teachers’ Forum, a platform of the agitating teachers, at a press conference held Friday afternoon expressed solidarity with the strikers.
‘Earlier, we have compromised on different situations, but this time we want to see an end to the stalemate at the university,’ said JUTA president professor Ajit Kumar Majumdar.
JUTA has been staging a series of demonstrations following the attacks on the teachers by the activists of Bangladesh Chhatra League on October 9 when they barred the authorities from holding the syndicate meeting.
VC Anwar Hossain arranged the press conference as part of view-exchange meetings with different student organisations.
Pro-VC (education) MA Matin, treasurer professor Abul Khaer, registrar Abu Bakar Siddique, proctor Mujibur Siddique and director (public relations) Mir Abul Kashem, among others, were present at the press conference.
In his speech, the VC pledged to hold the JU Central Students Union polls on December 5 this year.
JUCSU polls had been rescheduled on December 5 instead of December
6 because it is a weekly holiday.
The JU VC said, ‘Formation of a five-member election commission is in final stage and it will announce the schedule.’ He also urged the teachers to cooperate with them in holding the JUCSU polls.
Meanwhile, the academic and administrative activities had come to a halt due to frequent work abstentions and strikes.
Admission tests under the 2013-14 academic session had been rescheduled on December 17 from November 2.
No classes and examinations in most of the departments at the university were held on the first day of the strike.
Teachers’ Mancha, a platform of left-leaning teachers, on Saturday rejected the striking teachers’ demand and vowed to carry out the academic and administrative activities of the university as usual.
Professor Nasim Akhtar Hussein, convener of Teachers’ Mancha, at a press conference held at the new arts faculty lounge placed 6-pioint demands, ensuring congenial academic atmosphere on the campus, holding JUCSU election in a free and fair manner and brining the attackers to justice.
-With New Age input
