Teachers' forum expresses concern over lockout of JU administrative building

The Jahangirnagar University (JU) branch of the Jatiyatabadi Teachers' Forum has expressed concern over the locking of the university's administrative building, warning that the move could disrupt academic and administrative activities.

In a written statement issued around midnight yesterday (13 December) from the forum's official Facebook page, the teachers' body said the suspension of administrative operations was creating complications in observing Shaheed Intellectuals' Day and Victory Day in a proper manner.

Jucsu leaders locked the administrative building on 12 December, demanding swift trials of teachers, officials and employees allegedly involved in attacks on students during the July mass uprising. They said the lockout would continue until the trial process is completed.

The statement, signed by forum President Prof Dr Md Shamsul Alam and General Secretary Prof Md Jamal Uddin, also termed it unacceptable to obstruct the observance of national days at a time when the campus is already mourning the shooting incident involving Inqilab Mancha convener Sharif Osman Bin Hadi.

The forum further warned that the lockout could severely affect first-year admission tests and other crucial academic activities. It added that exerting pressure in such a manner could hinder ongoing judicial processes and revive memories of a culture of impunity.

Jucsu's response

In response, Jucsu leaders held an emergency press conference at the Jucsu building early Sunday, shortly after 2am. Vice-President Abdur Rashid Jitu alleged that the teachers' forum statement was aimed at protecting those accused in the July violence.

He said that just as 279 students had previously faced institutional trials, Jucsu was determined to ensure speedy trials of JU teachers and officials allegedly involved in the July mass uprising, based on evidence and testimony.

Jucsu General Secretary Md Mazharul Islam criticised the reference to the Sharif Osman Bin Hadi incident, calling the wording "unfortunate and undesirable." He said any leniency regarding the trial of teachers allegedly aligned with the Awami League would not be accepted by students.

Social Welfare and Human Resource Development Secretary Ahsan Labib rejected claims that the lockout was obstructing the observance of Victory Day and Shaheed Intellectuals' Day, saying students view these national days as a matter of pride and responsibility.

He added that visible actions such as locking the administrative building do not promote a culture of impunity but rather help accelerate the justice process. 

Jucsu leaders also urged the teachers' forum to reconsider its stance and called on other student organisations and general students to express solidarity in support of their demand for justice.