The BRU suspended 2 teachers and 7 employees from work due to a ban on engaging in politics

Authorities at Begum Rokeya University (BRU), Rangpur, today suspended two teachers and seven staff members after announcing a ban on political activities on campus this morning.

The move is aimed at maintaining smooth functioning of the campus, Vice-Chancellor Prof Shawkat Ali said at a press briefing after the syndicate meeting around 2:30 pm.

The suspended teachers are Associate Professor Moshiur Rahman from the Department of Mathematics and Associate Professor Asaduzzaman Mondal from the Department of Public Administration. Asaduzzaman Mondal is also the general secretary of the BRU Teachers’ Association. Both are involved in the murder of Abu Sayed, a BRU student killed during the anti-discrimination student movement on July 16.

The other seven suspended are Hafizur Rahman, Assistant Registrar, Mahbuba Akhter, Deputy Registrar, Sociology Department, Rafiul Hasan Russell of Public Prosecution, Tuhidul Islam Joni, Deputy Registrar, Security Department; staff Amir Hossain, Ashikun Nahar Tuktuki and Noor Nabi.

Shawkat Ali, addressing reporters outside the administrative building, said that eight out of ten syndicate members present at today’s meeting supported decisions aimed at restoring order at the university.

Since Abu Sayed’s death on July 16, campus attendance has plummeted, with faculty, staff and students applying for leave to avoid returning. However, the university has now decided to withdraw these leave requests, he said.

According to the university investigation, since July 16, 91 people – two teachers, seven officials and 72 students – were found to have shirked work and were allegedly involved in Syed’s death.

The syndicate decided to file a case against those involved.

The BRU banned student political activities on campus on August 12, but extending the ban to faculty, officials and staff was a priority, the VC said.

The university will no longer tolerate practices such as extortion, tender manipulation or hostel room swapping. In addition, any member of the university found to be affiliated with a political party will be subject to immediate suspension and disciplinary action, he added.

The VC said that the university has formed a body to collect evidence from those involved in the case, although many of them have not yet submitted to the investigation.

Ramjan Ali, Abu Sayed’s brother, opened the original murder case on August 18 and the BRU is set to open a separate case against those involved in the death.

The syndicate members present at the meeting included Mr. Shahidul Islam, Divisional Commissioner, Rangpur; Professor Humayun Kabir Chowdhury from Jagannath University; Prof. Siraj Ud Doula from Chittagong University and Prof. Motiur Rahman from BRU.

The VC also said that five posts in the 15-member syndicate remain vacant.