‘Manhandling’ of CU teacher worries Dhaka University’s pro-BNP teachers

The White Panel, a platform of pro-BNP teachers at Dhaka University (DU), has expressed concern over the harassment of a colleague at Chittagong University.

Leaders of the Chittagong University Central Students' Union (CUCSU) allegedly manhandled Prof Hasan Mohammad Roman of the university’s Department of Law on Saturday. The student leaders said they targeted the teacher for his role against the university’s students during the July Uprising. The students identified Roman as a pro-AL Awami League teacher.

The White Panel ssued a statement over the matter on Sunday.

“Publicly insulting, intimidating, or physically harassing any university teacher creates insecurity on campus,” said the teachers’ platform in the statement.

“Allegations against him must be resolved through legal and administrative procedures. The only way to resolve such matters is through legal and administrative investigation, not ‘mob justice’ under any circumstances,” the statement said.

The DU teachers have called for action against those responsible for the incident.

The assault on Roman occurred when he was on duty as an invigilator around 12pm.

Roman remained in detention by students for nine hours before the Chittagong University officials escorted him back to his residence.

Such behaviour toward a teacher ruins the educational environment, the teachers’ platform said, adding: “Similar incidents have occurred earlier at Rajshahi University, Dhaka University, and elsewhere, putting the educational environment at risk.”

The White Panel strongly condemns and protests these aggressive incidents, the statement said, pointing out that taking the law into one’s hand is a punishable offence.