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Download PDF Pro-Awami League teachers of Dhaka University (DU) yesterday decided not to boycott the upcoming convocation to show respect for the language movement veterans invited to receive honorary degree from the university.
The decision announced at a press conference at the Duta Club followed confusion among the teachers whether to attend the convocation on April 7 or opt out like last year to protest President Iajuddin Ahmed’s presence.
Leaders of the blue panel, a grouping of pro-AL teachers, criticised the president for not having made any attempt at securing the release of DU teachers and students who had been detained in connection with the violence of August last year.
They said they cannot welcome a person who had played a mere onlooker’s role when they needed him the most.
“It pains us to think of joining the convocation to be presided over by Iajuddin Ahmed,” a teacher leader said, adding, “Many of us think the event should be boycotted.”
But, they said, as convocation is part of the academic calendar and this year two language veterans would receive honorary degree, they would not boycott the programme to show “utmost respect for the two”.
President Iajuddin Ahmed, also chancellor of the university, is scheduled to visit the campus on April 7 to chair the convocation ceremony.
The teacher leaders also questioned the justification for inauguration of Nabab Nawab Ali Chowdhury Senate Building by Chief Adviser Fakhruddin Ahmed on April 10 when the construction work has finished two years back. They said it is nothing but a “waste of money”.
Speaking at the press conference, Dhaka University Teachers Association (Duta) General Secretary Prof Anwar Hossain said, “How come the vice-chancellor is now arranging the convocation when he earlier said he cannot give election to the senate, syndicate and deans’ committee under the state of emergency.”
Referring to the planned inauguration of the senate building, Prof Harun-or-Rashid said, “Several bodies including the senate and academic council are regularly meeting in the building. Then what’s the point in opening it now?”
Prof AAMS Arefin Siddique said in the event of inauguration, records [in the annual report book] of the meetings already held there would contradict the information on the inauguration plaque that would read the structure was opened on April 10, 2008.
The teacher leaders urged the government to take necessary steps to contain the price spiral of essentials.
They observed that the military-backed caretaker administration should not delay any longer in declaring a date for the national election and lifting the state of emergency.
Prof Harun-or-Rashid, coordinator of blue panel, read out a statement at the conference. Prof Muhammad Samad, Prof Saiful Islam Khan and Dr Zinat Huda were present among others.
April 5th, 2008 at 5:59 am
Sensible persons must not boycot the convention.There can be other ways of expressing discontent. CA is desperately trying to matage crisis and control damage. But some person behind this goverment appear to have become ambitious. The ovearall situation of the country is extremely critical. Dhaka University must act as catalyst for national unity. VC and teachers must show the way. Language movement heroes must get spontaneous respect.