Fifty-six teachers from Dhaka University (DU) are unable to carry out classes due to a student-led boycott, which stems from allegations of their support for the Awami League during the mass uprising in July.
Students claim these teachers backed the government, leading to their exclusion. In response, some teachers indicated that academic committees across various departments removed them in an effort to quell student unrest.
The boycott includes: four teachers each from the Law Faculty and Biological Sciences Faculty, 13 from the Faculty of Business Studies, 12 each from Social Science and Arts Faculty, one from the Science Faculty, two from Engineering and Technology Faculty. Additional teachers from the Education and Research Institute, Health Economics Institute, and Fine Arts Faculty.
Some of those affected were boycotted during the uprising, while others chose to abstain from classes to preserve their dignity.
Many are part of the "Blue Panel," a group of teachers supportive of the Awami League, whose nearly 16-year rule ended on August 5 after former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina resigned and flown out of the country for a safe exit amid a mass uprising and attacks on her official residence.
MD. Afzal Hossain, a teacher in the Tourism and Hospitality Management department, noted that perceptions of good and bad change with power shifts, stating that those previously in favor are now labeled as "bad guys." He added that he is not alone in this situation, as many teachers across various departments are facing similar challenges.
During a press briefing on September 10, DU Vice-Chancellor Niaz Ahmed Khan remarked on the unprecedented situation, emphasizing the importance of departmental autonomy in handling these issues.
Shamsur Rahman, a teacher in the Fisheries department, explained that when students bring allegations against a teacher to the academic committee, it often results in that teacher being barred from teaching. He pointed out that students accused him of not supporting their cause during the July protests.
Sociology Department teacher Zinat Huda urged the administration to clarify why many teachers are unable to attend classes.
