Mob pressure keeps two Cox's Bazar college teachers out of classrooms for a year

Two teachers at Cox's Bazar Government College have been unable to teach in classrooms for more than a year, alleging repeated obstruction, protests and harassment by a group of students whenever they attempt to join their duties.

The affected teachers are Associate Professor Mujibul Alam of the Department of Islamic History and Culture and Assistant Professor Alok Chakraborty of the Department of English.

Both teachers claim they have been subjected to an organized campaign that has made it impossible to carry out their official responsibilities. They say they face intimidation and security risks whenever they visit the college.

A section of students, along with leaders of Islami Chhatra Shibir and Chhatra Shakti, however, allege that the two teachers were involved in corruption, misconduct with students, political bias and other irregularities. None of those allegations has so far been proven through any departmental inquiry or court verdict.

Associate Professor Mujibul Alam said he received his transfer order to Cox's Bazar Government College on July 20, 2025, but has been prevented from joining properly since his first day.

"I go to the college and have to return without working. This has happened at least 10 times," he said.

He also rejected allegations linking him to the July mass uprising, stating that he was serving as principal of Ramu Government College at the time, not at Cox's Bazar Government College.

Mujibul further alleged that on June 16 he was confined to a room on campus, his mobile phone was taken away, and he was physically assaulted before police intervened and rescued him.

"I only want to perform my duties. If the government transfers me elsewhere, I'll go. But I should at least be allowed to work safely where I've been posted," he said.

Convener of the college's disciplinary committee, Professor Mofidul Alam, confirmed that Mujibul has effectively been unable to enter his department since his posting. He said Assistant Professor Alok Chakraborty has faced a similar situation.

College Principal Professor Abul Hasnat Mohammad Mofizul Haque said the administration has never officially barred any teacher from entering the campus. However, he acknowledged that maintaining round-the-clock security for teachers is beyond the institution's capacity.

Former general secretary of the college unit of Islami Chhatra Shibir, Abdullah Al Noman, alleged that Mujibul Alam had been accused of corruption during his tenure at Ramu Government College and later attempted to influence student representatives after joining Cox's Bazar Government College.

He also claimed the teacher had offered money to student leaders, though he did not provide independently verifiable evidence.

A section of students has also accused Alok Chakraborty of financial irregularities, inappropriate remarks about hijab and departmental misconduct. Those allegations likewise remain unverified.

College unit Chhatra Dal convener Ridwan Ul Haque said any allegation against a teacher should be addressed through legal and administrative procedures rather than public intimidation.

"If a teacher has committed wrongdoing, action should be taken through due process. Harassing or humiliating a teacher through mob pressure cannot be justified," he said.

Meanwhile, Abdullah Al Noman claimed complaints had already been submitted to the district police superintendent and college authorities. He also made a controversial statement, saying those accused of filing cases against students or attacking them would be assaulted "wherever they are found."

The college's disciplinary committee has collected opinions from students and representatives of different student organizations. According to Professor Mofidul Alam, most students in the Department of Islamic History opposed Mujibul Alam's return to teaching. However, he stressed that the committee has no authority to prevent any teacher from joining or recommend their removal.

Several faculty members have raised concerns that, despite serious allegations against the two teachers, no departmental or judicial process has reached a conclusion. They argue the prolonged situation has sparked a broader debate over whether the fate of public servants should be determined through lawful institutional mechanisms or by sustained mob pressure on campus.