Clash between teacher groups leaves several injured at SAU

A physical altercation has occurred between teachers supporting the Vice-Chancellor and those of the opposing faction at Sylhet Agricultural University (SAU) over issues of teacher recruitment and administrative irregularities.

The incident took place around noon on Sunday, February 15, on the campus between teachers supporting VC Dr Alimul Islam and several teachers led by Professor Dr. Md Mozammel Haque of the Department of Agronomy and Haor Agriculture. Tension has been prevailing among teachers, officers and staff since the incident.

According to university sources, Dr Alimul Islam was appointed Vice-Chancellor during the tenure of the current interim government. Since assuming office, a section of teachers has been raising allegations of irregularities in teacher recruitment, denial of promotions and administrative autocracy.

Several teachers led by Professor Dr Mozammel Huq went to the Vice-Chancellor's office on Sunday to discuss these matters. During an argument that ensued in the presence of pro-VC teachers, a physical altercation broke out between the two groups.

Claiming to have been assaulted, Professor Dr Mozammel Huq said, "When I went to discuss administrative irregularities, followers of the Vice-Chancellor and Proctor attacked me. I sustained injuries to my nose and mouth."

On the other hand, VC Dr Alimul Islam alleged that a specific group is attempting to create instability at the university. He claimed that several members of that group previously held important administrative positions and are now heating up the situation with the aim of regaining those posts.

The Vice-Chancellor further informed that the situation became more tense when an administrative officer was labelled a 'fascist' during discussions. At that time, when someone attempted to record video, their mobile phone was snatched away. During the altercation, that individual's fingers were injured. He also reported that three other teachers were injured in the incident.

Denying allegations of irregularities in teacher recruitment, the VC said the recruitment process was completed following the guidelines of the University Grants Commission (UGC).

He informed that six new teachers have been appointed, three of whom are graduates of this university. As specialists in particular subjects were not available, the remaining three were recruited from outside universities.