Teachers of Dhaka University (DU) on Monday engaged in heated arguments over the illegal enrolment of 35 Chhatra league leaders, during a meeting of the DU academic council.
The meeting began around 3pm at the Nabab Nawab Ali Chowdhury Senate building of the university. DU Vice-Chancellor (VC) Prof Akhtaruzzaman served as chair.
The academic council consists of all DU professors, department chairpersons, and institute directors.
A total 35 leaders of Chhatra League, including recently removed Chhatra League general secretary Golam Rabbani, were enrolled into DU ahead of the DU Central Students' Union (Ducsu) and hall union polls, reportedly in violation of the university’s rules of admission.
Subsequently, nine of the leaders were elected to different posts during the polls. Golam Rabbani was made Ducsu general secretary.
During on Monday academic council meeting, DU physics department Chairman Dr ABM Obaidul Islam, also convener of the pro-BNP White Panel of DU teachers, read out a written statement that triggered an altercation with members of the pro-Awami League Blue Panel.
Prof ABM Obaidul told Dhaka Tribune: “We asked the council, which is the highest academic decision making body of the university, to launch a proper investigation into the illegal enrolment of Chhatra League leaders and bring the perpetrators to justice. The illegal enrolment of 35 Chhata League men tarnished the image and dignity of DU."
A total 34 Chhatra League leaders were reportedly admitted into an evening course titled Masters of Tax Management, under the banking department of the business studies faculty.
According to media reports, a number of the leaders said they were admitted to DU due to recommendations from business faculty Deam Shibli Rubayat Ul Islam and VC Akhtaruzzaman. Golam Rabbani was enrolled into an MPhil course under the criminology department.
Prof ABM Obaidul said mass communication and journalism department Prof Abul Mansur Ahmed was the first to argue against his statement, saying it was politicized.
“Later, other Blue Panel members including Ruqayyah Hall provost and sociology Professor Zeenat Huda and her husband Education and Research Institute Professor M Wahiduzzaman also made heated arguments,” Prof Obaidul added.
Prof M Wahiduzzaman, also former VC of Noakhali Science and Technology University (NSTU), urged the council to expunge Prof Obaidul's speech, several members from the academic council told the Dhaka Tribune.
They added that VC Akhtaruzzaman expunged Prof ABM Obaidul’s speech as it was “too politicized.”
When contacted, VC Akhtaruzzaman said the matter would remain within the academic council.
