RU deserted amid complete shutdown called by teachers, staff

Rajshahi University appeared empty today (22 September) as teachers, officers and staff launched a "complete shutdown" demanding exemplary punishment for those involved in what they called the humiliation of a pro-vice-chancellor, the proctor and other teachers.

A visit to the campus this morning revealed that most departments had no classes or examinations and administrative activities were suspended. Besides, student presence was also low.

The work stoppage began at 9am. Several offices, including the administration building, were locked, and although university buses were operating, students were scarcely seen on campus. Dining spots were largely empty and many food stalls remained closed.

RU teachers and staff held a human chain at around 11am on Paris Road on the campus to protest the humiliation of the top officials and faculty members and to demand exemplary punishment. 

At the event, they said those who attacked teachers on 20 September must have their student status revoked and face legal action. 

They added that until action is taken against these students, they will not participate in any academic or administrative activities.

Masudul Hasan Khan Mukta, leader of the RU Nationalist Teachers' Forum, warned that the protest will continue until these students' enrolment is cancelled and legal proceedings are launched.

Rajshahi University suspends admissions under ward quota following students' protests

Moktar Hossain, president of the RU Officers' Association, said such a shameful attack on teachers is unprecedented. 

He added that officials will continue their protest programme until the students, whom they described as criminals, are given exemplary punishment.

Notably, teachers, officers and employees of RU observed a full-day work abstention yesterday, in line with a decision announced the previous night.

Last night, after a meeting at Zuberi Bhaban, Professor Abdul Alim, president of the RU Nationalist Teachers' Forum, announced a continuation of their work stoppage, while the RU Officers' Association held a press briefing declaring a complete shutdown for an indefinite period.

Meanwhile, the complete shutdown has raised uncertainty over the upcoming Rajshahi University Central Students' Union (Rucsu) election.

Student Raju Islam said, "Many incidents have occurred on campus over the past few days. Classes and exams were suspended yesterday, it does not seem they will resume soon. I was on campus to vote in the Rucsu election, but now it seems the election might not take place as scheduled."

Scuffle, ward quota suspension 

Tension flared on 20 September as a scuffle broke out between students and senior university officials, including the pro-vice chancellor and the proctor, over admissions under a ward quota for children of teachers, officials and staff.

Pro-VC (Administration) Professor Mohammad Main Uddin, Proctor Prof Md Mahbubor Rahman, Registrar Prof Iftikharul Alam Masud and several other teachers were confined by protesting students inside Zuberi Bhaban for nearly six hours in the afternoon.

They were released at around 11:15pm after students ended the confinement and moved to hold a sit-in in front of the VC's residence.

The administration also expressed hope that the Rucsu and hall union elections will take place on 25 September without disruption.

Yesterday, the RU administration suspended admissions under the ward quota following student protests and escalating tensions on the campus.

The decision came during an emergency syndicate meeting, chaired by VC Professor Saleh Hasan Naqib, held at the VC's residence in the afternoon. 

Speaking to the media after the meeting, Registrar Masud said, "Around midnight, on the directive of the VC, admissions under the ward quota were temporarily suspended. At today's meeting, the decision to suspend the quota was upheld. Several bodies will now issue the final decision."

The meeting also condemned the confinement and harassment of the pro-VC and several teachers during the protests.