The Nationalist Teachers’ Forum of Jahangirnagar University (JU) has raised serious concerns over the removal of six deans at Rajshahi University (RU), calling the move a significant threat to the autonomy and governance of public universities.
In a statement on Tuesday, the forum described the incident as the result of pressure from a “so-called movement,” warning that such actions undermine the dignity of university teachers and weaken established administrative frameworks. It said the decision showed a disregard for due process and reflected a failure by the university administration to uphold institutional norms.
The forum cautioned that allowing administrations to be influenced by intimidation could have far-reaching consequences, potentially pushing the country’s higher education system towards institutional breakdown.
Signed by forum president Professor Md Shamsul Alam and Professor Md Jamal Uddin, the statement urged RU authorities to revoke the decision immediately and address any allegations against the deans through transparent, lawful procedures. It also called on teachers nationwide to unite against what it described as arbitrary and authoritarian actions in universities.
The statement follows the resignation of six RU deans, who cited an inability to continue their responsibilities amid ongoing student protests. The demonstrations were led by Rajshahi University Central Students’ Union (RUCSU) General Secretary Salahuddin Ammar, who demanded the removal of the deans.
