Institutional repression against women at DU: teachers

Special cell demanded to ensure students’ security

A section of Dhaka University teachers on Sunday censured recent incident of ousting female students from Kabi Sufia Kamal Hall at midnight terming it ‘institutional repression against women.’

Sachetan Shikkhokbrinda (conscious teacher), a platform of the teachers, at a human chain in front of Aparajeya Bangla on the campus demanded a special cell to ensure security of students and normal academic atmosphere on the campus.

They came up with the demand and remarks as an uneasy situation prevailed at the university because of oppressions and intimidation of students protesting for reform of quota in government jobs that led to the announcement of abolition of the entire quota system in public service recruitment.

Addressing the human chain, columnist Syed Abul Maksud said that it was a shame that first-ever institutional repression against women in Bangladesh took place at an institution like Dhaka University which cradled all the democratic movement of the country. 

Saying that teachers would always stand by any justified demands of the students, mass communication and journalism professor Robayet Ferdous said that teachers would give fitting replay, if any further incident of student harassment took place on the campus.

Economics professor MM Akasah said that the authorities failed to play an active role. ‘Those who were elected by us are not performing their duties properly. Students in different halls are being compelled to take part in different political programmes,’ he said.

He suggested the university authorities to hold election to the Dhaka University Central Student Union to ensure democratic environment of education.

International relations department teacher Tanzimuddin Khan placed six-point demands, including ensuring security for all students and teachers on the campus, forming a special cell to protect students from state forces or any other quarters, taking legal action against those involved in unprecedented incidents during the protests, ensuring exemplary punishment for those who vandalised vice-chancellor’s residence and strengthening security in the all residential areas on the campus, upholding dignity of teachers and students.

Law department Asif Nazrul, political science professor Tasnim Siddiqui, microbiology professor Sangeeta Ahmed and psychology chairperson Nasreen Wadud were also present there among others.

At least four students were driven out from Sufia Kaml hall on allegation of spreading rumours using fake accounts on Facebook during an incident at the dormitory in April 10-11.

Bangladesh Nationalist Party-Jamaat backed white panel teachers of the university will hold a silent procession today at the base of Aparajeya Bangla.  

• Courtesy: NewAge /Apr 23, 2018