The Rajshahi University unit of Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal on Monday announced a protest programme against the institution鈥檚 pro-Awami League teachers and officials allegedly involved in suppressing the student movement during the July uprising, demanding their trial.
As part of the programme, they would display a list containing their names and photographs in front of academic buildings on the campus on August 7, said leaders of the unit of Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal, the student wing of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party.
The announcement came at a press conference held near the university鈥檚 Paribahan Market area in the afternoon on the day.
Reading out a written statement, RU Chhatra Dal general secretary Sardar Zahurul Islam said that the July student movement was a milestone in the struggle for democracy and freedom of expression in educational institutions.
鈥楧rawing strength from that spirit, we now seek to launch a legal and democratic resistance against the ongoing fascist activities on the campus,鈥� he said.
He alleged that a pro-Awami faction had long been disrupting the academic atmosphere at the university, and during the July protests.
They sided with Chhatra League, student wing of Awami League, and law enforcement agencies and collaborated with them in quelling the student movement, he said.
鈥榃e even witnessed a disgraceful human chain staged by pro-AL teachers on Paris Road, which we consider shameful and condemnable,鈥� he added.
Zahurul alleged that the same group was spreading fear among teachers and students through intimidation, suppression and threats of job termination.
鈥楽tudents were shot at during the protests directed by and in presence of the then vice-chancellor, pro-vice-chancellor and proctor. Yet these individuals remain in office and continue to draw full salaries. This is unacceptable,鈥� he said.
He also accused the current administration of carrying out politically biased teacher recruitment, favouring candidates from a particular group, which he said contradicted the spirit of the July uprising.
The Chhatra Dal leaders also urged the university authorities to take immediate steps for restoring a transparent and democratic environment on the campus free of fear.
