Why Did Unemployed Teachers Forum Convenor Suman Biswas Criticize Mamata-Led Bengal Government?
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Synopsis
Suman Biswas, convenor of the Unemployed Qualified Teachers Forum, was released from police detention after eight hours and has expressed strong disapproval of the actions taken by the Mamata Banerjee-led West Bengal government, accusing them of suppressing their protest for justice and job placements.
Key Takeaways
- Suman Biswas was detained for over eight hours.
- The Unemployed Qualified Teachers Forum is advocating for justice and job placements.
- The planned march to the School Service Commission office was halted by police action.
- Biswas criticized the state government for its handling of the situation.
- The movement is expected to gain strength amidst government suppression.
Kolkata, Aug 19 (NationPress) Suman Biswas, the convenor of the Unemployed Qualified Teachers Forum, was released on Monday evening after being held for over eight hours, and he criticized the Mamata Banerjee-led West Bengal government for its actions.
In a statement to the press, Biswas expressed, "We are extremely disheartened by the conduct of both the police and Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. They have devised this to thwart our protest. We vehemently denounce the behavior of the Chief Minister and the state administration."
The planned march to the School Service Commission's (SSC) office in Kolkata's Salt Lake area was thwarted on Monday due to the police detaining its convenor, Suman Biswas, earlier that day.
Biswas had called for a march to the SSC office on Monday, aiming to demand placements for teachers affected by the SSC recruitment scandal and to seek new jobs for qualified yet unemployed youths in the state.
In a social media update, Biswas had announced that the SSC Bhaban march would take place on August 18.
He also contacted the Bidhannagar Police Commissionerate via email seeking permission for the march. However, the police denied them the right to organize the gathering.
Authorities claimed on Sunday that the march organizers intended to incite violence and use petrol bombs against the police.
On Monday morning, officers from the Chandannagar Police Commissionerate apprehended Biswas at Adisaptagram station in Hooghly district while he was en route to Kolkata to lead the protest.
Following his release from Mogra police station after an extensive detention, Biswas voiced his frustration at Chief Minister Banerjee.
"Despite losing our jobs due to corruption and an authoritarian regime, we oppose the re-evaluation of the 2016 SSC panel and are demanding justice for the qualified teacher Subal who was murdered, along with a compensation of ₹10 crore to his family. This is why Mamata Banerjee, the Police Minister of the state, is leveraging the police to detain and arrest us," he stated.
"Today, following the unlawful arrest of qualified teacher Rezaul Haque by the police, the court granted him bail. The state government fears our movement; thus, the more they try to suppress our voices, the stronger our movement will become in the days ahead," he concluded.
Point of View
It is essential to highlight the plight of qualified teachers facing systemic issues in West Bengal. The actions taken by the state government raise significant concerns regarding freedom of assembly and the right to protest. The situation calls for a balanced examination of both the teachers' demands and the government's response.
NationPress
19/08/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened to Suman Biswas?
Suman Biswas was detained for over eight hours before being released by the police, following his call for a protest march.
What is the main demand of the Unemployed Qualified Teachers Forum?
The forum is demanding job placements for teachers affected by the SSC recruitment scam and new jobs for qualified unemployed youths.
Why was the planned march to the SSC office stopped?
The police detained Suman Biswas, preventing the march from taking place as scheduled.
What accusations did Biswas make against the government?
Biswas accused the Mamata Banerjee-led government of orchestrating his detention to suppress their protest.
What are the implications of this situation for the teachers' movement?
The more the government attempts to suppress their voices, the stronger the movement is likely to become, according to Biswas.
