RU staff, employees urged to end strike and return to work

Rajshahi University officials met with striking staff and employees on Tuesday, calling for an end to the ongoing work stoppage to restore normal campus activities. The strike, now in its third day, was launched to demand the reinstatement of the ward quota and punishment for those involved in humiliating teachers.

Professor Akhtar Hossain Majumdar, head of the university’s Public Relations Office, said after the meeting, “The university belongs to all of us, and its interests must come first. We have urged the striking staff to withdraw their protest and return to work. They have given an initial positive response and will consult their committees before confirming their decision.”

Moktar Hossain, president of the Officers’ Association, confirmed that the Pro-Vice Chancellor, Professor Main Uddin, held discussions with the staff. “The administration has requested withdrawal of the strike. We will make a decision after internal consultations,” he added.

The meeting was attended by top university officials, including Pro-Vice Chancellor Professor Mohammad Main Uddin and Professor Farid Uddin Khan.

The current unrest follows the administration’s decision last Thursday to reinstate the ward quota under 10 conditions, sparking student protests. Tensions escalated when a clash between students and faculty occurred at the Jubery building on Saturday. In response, the Nationalist Teachers Forum and officers held a one-day strike on Sunday and began an indefinite shutdown on Monday demanding quota reinstatement and disciplinary action against those who humiliated teachers.

Meanwhile, the university’s election commission postponed the RAKSU student union elections from September 25 to October 16, citing the need for a peaceful and fair election process.