DU teachers' association demands withdrawal of punitive actions against 10 teachers
The statement comes after the university syndicate on 28 July decided to permanently dismiss one professor and suspend six others from academic and administrative duties.
Highlights:
- Association says punishments violated DU Order, 1973
- Protests dismissal of one professor, suspension of six others
- Claims affected teachers were denied due process
- Alleges unlawful actions by previous and current administrations
The Dhaka University Teachers' Association (Duta) has demanded the withdrawal of disciplinary actions taken against 10 university teachers at different times following the July Uprising.
In a statement signed by Duta President Prof Md Nizamul Hoque Bhuiyan and General Secretary Prof Zeenat Huda yesterday (30 July), the association said the punitive measures violated the university's legal framework and due process.
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Prof Zeenat confirmed the development to The Business Standard today (31 July).
The statement comes after the university syndicate on 28 July decided to permanently dismiss one professor and suspend six others from academic and administrative duties.
Duta strongly protested the decision, arguing that the university administration lacked the authority to impose such penalties without completing the procedures prescribed under the Dhaka University Order, 1973.
According to the association, the law requires allegations against teachers, officers or employees to be fully established through an inquiry committee and a tribunal before disciplinary action can be taken.
Duta alleged that the affected teachers were denied the opportunity to defend themselves, present their statements or cross-examine complainants through an investigation committee or tribunal.
It described the process as a violation of the Dhaka University Order, the institution's long-standing traditions, human rights and the principle of equal treatment.
The association also criticised the previous university administration, describing it as "unelected" and accusing it of pursuing a one-sided policy by allowing mob pressure to influence administrative decisions.
It claimed that around 70 to 80 teachers had been barred from academic and administrative activities in violation of university rules and had been socially stigmatised through various labels, amounting to psychological and economic harassment.
The statement further alleged that the previous administration had rendered the elected Senate, Syndicate and Teachers' Association ineffective and made unlawful decisions by excluding elected teacher representatives from the decision-making process.
Duta also criticised the current administration, claiming that it had punished a teacher for a second time despite the individual having already served a disciplinary sanction two years ago, arguing that such actions undermined justice rather than ensuring it.
