Teachers of Dhaka University (DU) formed a human chain on the campus on Sunday morning with a call to ensure security of the university students as well as to protect students’ right.

The DU teachers in the banner of ‘Conscious General Teachers’ formed the human chain at the foot of Oporajeyo Bangla in front of the Arts Faculty of the university around 11:00am.

Professor MM Akash of the Department of Economics presided over the human chain.

Expressing solidarity with the teachers, columnist Syed Abul Maksud said, ‘Dhaka University is the centre of our country. This institution had lead all of historical movements of our country. But, the authorities of Kabi Sufia Kamal hall did an institutional harassment by throwing out students outside it at midnight.’

‘We hope these types of occurrences will never happen in future. The persons who are controlling the university should keep in mind that they are teacher first, then administrator,’ he added.

Dr MM Akash said, ‘Handing over the female students to their guardians in the darkness of the night is against the values of Bangladeshi culture.’

The DU teachers’ group also came up with six-point demands. On behalf of the teachers, Prof Tanzumuddin Khan of International Relations Department read out the demand which includes:

1.       Maintain teaching atmosphere for all teachers and students and ensure their freedom of speech

2.       Security to the teachers and students should be ensured and no steps against them can be taken except the specific rules and procedures

3.       Form a special cell to ensure that no students are affected by state forces or any other quarters

4.       Take legal measures against those who are directly involved with the untoward incident taken place during the quota reform movement

5.       Give exemplary punishment to those involved in the attack in the VC’s residence and ensure security at all residential areas including the VC’s residence on the campus

6.       Uphold the dignity of students and teachers. Ensure and safeguard their privacy