Barishal University shuts down amid teachers’ protest over promotion demands

Academic and administrative activities at Barishal University have come to a halt as protesting teachers enforced a shutdown over promotion demands and declared the vice-chancellor “persona non grata”.

Teachers began their movement on April 21 demanding promotions. The protest was briefly suspended for five days after assurances from a syndicate meeting, but was resumed on Monday (May 12) following what teachers described as an unsatisfactory outcome in the latest syndicate session.

According to university sources, protesting faculty members gathered at the ground floor of the administration building around 9am on Monday and instructed staff to leave offices. Several administrative departments, including the registrar’s office and finance section, were later locked.

Eyewitnesses said the teachers left the building around 11am, after which Vice-Chancellor Prof. Dr. Md. Toufique Alam entered his office and remained there throughout the day. Protesters did not enter his chamber.

Associate Professor Dr. Dhiman Kumar Roy, chairman of the Geology and Mining Department and a protest leader, said the vice-chancellor was responsible for the situation. “We have declared him unwanted. No administrative cooperation will be extended to him,” he said.

He also claimed that teachers holding administrative positions have resigned and accused the administration of delaying promotions despite board proceedings being pending for six months.

The vice-chancellor, however, said the issues can be resolved through dialogue. “Such movements that disrupt students’ academic activities are not appropriate,” he said.

University sources said around 60 teachers are seeking promotion, arguing that most have already completed the required service period of two years.

The University Grants Commission (UGC) said it has taken note of the situation. UGC Public University Management Department Director and spokesperson Md. Zamilur Rahman said a meeting on the issue will be held at the commission on Wednesday.