Teachers call for end to harassment of student, demand release of detainees

Teachers from various universities across Bangladesh, united under the banner of 'Anti-Repression Teachers Rally,' have called for an immediate end to the harassment of students as well as 'mass arrests', report agencies

They also demanded the release of detained students.

They expressed their solidarity with the ongoing student protests during a rally organised by the University Teachers Network at the base of Aparajeyo Bangla on the Dhaka University campus on Monday afternoon.

The rally commenced with a minute of silence in memory of students who lost their lives in the recent quota reform movement. The teachers urged that the incidents of violence and deaths be termed as the 'July Massacre.'

Dr. Saeed Ferdous, professor of Anthropology at Jahangirnagar University in his speech, said, "You view the students as your adversaries, but these students have come to transform Bangladesh. They are paving the way for a new history by challenging the systematic repression in educational institutions and state mechanisms over the past five decades since independence. We support every demand of the students."

Prof. Abdul Hasib Chowdhury, former president of the Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology Teachers Association, evoked historical parallels, saying, "In February 1969, Professor Shamsuzzoha became a martyr while protecting students. We, who have gathered here, are his successors. Our students fighting against inequality are the successors of the freedom fighters. History is guiding our actions, and we will fulfill our responsibilities."

Other speakers included Dr. Rushad Faridi from Dhaka University's Economics Department, Prof Abdullah Harun Chowdhury from Khulna University's Environmental Science, Syed Raza from BRAC University's Law Department, Dr. Masud Imran from Jahangirnagar University's Archaeology Department, and Dr. Chowdhury Saima Ferdous from Dhaka University's International Business Department.

Following the rally, the teachers marched to the Dhaka University Central Library and then returned to the base of Aparajeyo Bangla.

Meanwhile, Dhaka University authorities have urged the law enforcement agencies and the others concerned to ensure that no innocent student is harassed amid the ongoing action against people involved in recent violence over quota reform movement reported in media.

The university administration has instructed the students to report to the Proctor's Office if they experiences harassment, said a press release signed by Mahmud Alam, director, public relations department of the university.

The university assures that it will provide all possible assistance in such cases.