Complete Shutdown Declared at Rajshahi University

The Rajshahi University (RU) syndicate meeting has decided to keep the institutional privilege or ward quota for admissions of children of serving teachers, officers and employees suspended. In protest against this decision, Officers' Association President Moktar Hossain has announced a complete shutdown.

An emergency syndicate meeting of the university was held on Sunday afternoon (September 21) at the residence of Vice-Chancellor Professor Saleh Hasan Naqib. After the meeting concluded past 5:00pm, Acting Registrar Iftikharul Alam Masud spoke to journalists.

He informed that the syndicate meeting upheld the decision to suspend student admissions under institutional privileges. Additionally, a decision was taken to investigate the incident of teacher humiliation that occurred at Jubilee Building on Saturday. For this, the syndicate has formed an inquiry committee. Alongside, a judicial probe will also be conducted.

The acting registrar said that yesterday's announcement suspending admissions under institutional privileges had been reported to the syndicate, which expressed support for the decision. Admissions under institutional privileges were supposed to begin today. We are not starting them. A decision will be made after discussions with all stakeholders in our relevant bodies.

Describing the teacher humiliation at Jubilee Building as an unprecedented incident, he said that yesterday a pro-vice-chancellor was physically assaulted in this manner. The syndicate has condemned the incident. It has formed a five-member inquiry committee for a proper investigation. Besides, the syndicate has decided on a judicial inquiry for an impartial probe.

When asked about the syndicate's decision to keep the ward quota suspended, RU Officers' Association President Moktar Hossain said, "We are disappointed with this decision. Because all universities in the country have this facility. Not giving it to us means we will go into a complete shutdown from tomorrow. However, transport, water, electricity and RUCSU will remain exempt."