The agitating teachers of Jahangirnagar University (JU) on Tuesday gave their Vice-chancellor Prof Dr Anwar Hossain until Wednesday noon to resign, threatening to go on a harsher movement if otherwise. The ultimatum came at a press conference held in front of the residence of the VC, where the teachers under the banner of ‘Sadharan Sikkhak Forum’ staged a sit-in for the third consecutive day on Tuesday, in the afternoon. Addressing the press conference, member secretary of the ‘Sadharan Sikkhak Forum’ Prof Kamrul Ahsan said they will go on a tougher programme if the VC does not step down by 12 noon Wednesday. He said they will launch the tougher movement involving all, including JU Officers’ Samity and JU Workers’ Union, led by Jahangirnagar Teachers’ Association (JUTA), from Wednesday noon. “This tougher programme will continue until the resignation of the VC.” Meanwhile, JUTA continued their all-out strike on the campus for the third day on the trot on Tuesday, halting academic and administrative activities. No classes and examinations were held at the university on Tuesday while no vehicle left the campus. Since April 27, the members of JUTA have been on a movement demanding the resignation of Prof Anwar Hossain for his reluctance to punish JU unit Bangladesh Chhatra League secretary Rajib Ahmed Russell who physically assaulted a teacher. After a High Court order on May 24, JUTA backtracked, but later they resumed agitation under a new banner. No Syndicate, Senate, Academic Council and other important meetings have not being held for last six months due to the teachers’ agitation. – UNB
