Dhaka, Dec 12 (NationPress) A minimum of three educators from Dhaka University, associated with the pro-Awami League teachers' faction "Neel Dal", reportedly faced harassment and an assault by a group of students led by the Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU), as per local media sources.

The altercation occurred on Thursday afternoon within the university premises, shortly after the three educators presented a memorandum to the Vice-Chancellor's office, advocating for the reinstatement of their colleagues who had been barred from conducting classes.

A video clip that circulated widely on social media depicted AB Zubair, the social welfare secretary of DUCSU, physically confronting Abul Kashem Mohammad Jamal Uddin, the convener of "Neel Dal", at the Faculty of Social Sciences building while Jamal Uddin attempted to flee, with Zubair pursuing him and trying to obstruct his exit.

“We delivered a seven-point memorandum to the VC's office, which included demands for the reinstatement of the educators who have been prevented from teaching. Later, while enjoying tea at the teachers' lounge, a faction of students barged in, labeling us as accomplices of fascists and asserting they would not permit us to leave,” quoted Jamal Uddin in Bangladesh’s prominent publication, The Daily Star.

He claimed that during the scuffle, his sweater was forcibly removed and his bag, containing cheque books, bank cards, and journals, was snatched away, asserting that another educator, Azmal Hossain Bhuiyan from the Botany department, faced similar harassment.

Expressing her dismay over the incident, Zeenat Huda, the general secretary of the Dhaka University Teachers' Association, who also experienced harassment in the Faculty of Social Sciences lounge, raised the question, "How could such an occurrence involving educators transpire in broad daylight at an institution like Dhaka University?"

Meanwhile, the Dhaka University Teachers' Association has vehemently condemned the incident and demands the establishment of an impartial investigation committee to guarantee accountability.

Previously, over 50 educators from various faculties of Dhaka University were branded as "unwanted" after the interim government under Muhammad Yunus accused them of backing former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina during protests last July, as reported by local media.

In a blatant case of political retribution, the university administration also initiated "fact-finding committees" while suspending these educators from their academic roles. However, even after several months, these educators remain unable to re-enter the classroom.

Reports indicate that numerous educators and students at various universities across Bangladesh have been indiscriminately suspended since Yunus assumed leadership.

Bangladesh has seen a decline in law and order and an increase in unsafe working environments under the interim government led by Muhammad Yunus, raising alarms regarding political interference, constraints on academic freedom, and assaults on individuals expressing dissent.