Teachers and staff at Rajshahi University (RU) are observing indefinite ‘complete shutdown’ programme on the campus on Monday protesting the cancellation of the dependent quota in admissions and the alleged physical assault on a university teacher.
While the shutdown has effectively paralysed most administrative activities on campus, the utility services such as water, electricity, transport, and preparations for the long-awaited Rajshahi University Central Students’ Union (RUCSU) elections remain operational.
University officials and staff have been seen staging sit-in in front of the administrative building, near the Senate building, and at the Aamtala area on campus from early morning.
The Rajshahi University campus . Photo: CollectedIn a media briefing following a syndicate meeting on Sunday, Acting Registrar Prof Dr Iftikharul Alam Masud confirmed the formation of a five-member committee to investigate the incident involving the assault on a teacher.
The syndicate has also recommended the formation of an independent judicial inquiry to ensure transparency.
Addressing the quota issue, the acting registrar stated, “The suspension of admission privileges under the ward quota was formally presented to the university’s syndicate, and it has supported the decision. Although new admissions under this quota were scheduled to begin today, but we are not proceeding with it,” he said.
“The final decision will be made after discussions with all relevant bodies and stakeholders.”
He described the alleged assault on the teacher at the Zubery Bhawan as “unprecedented” and confirmed that the university syndicate has condemned the incident.
“A senior academic being physically assaulted is deeply concerning. That’s why we are taking this seriously with both internal and proposed judicial investigations,” he said.
When asked about the syndicate’s decision to suspend the dependent quota, President of the RU Officers’ Association, Moktar Hossain, expressed disappointment.
“This quota exists in all public universities across the country. Denying it here is unacceptable. That’s why we’re launching a complete shutdown starting tomorrow (Monday), although it will not affect transport, utilities, or RUCSU election preparations,” he said.
