Dhaka University Teachers' Association office vandalized

The Dhaka University Teachers' Association (DUTA) office was vandalized on Friday night.

According to DUTA members, a group of 12 individuals broke into the Dhaka University Club around 8:30pm.

Entering the club, the assailants forced the peon on duty to unlock the DUTA office door, they said.

Later, they ransacked and vandalized the DUTA office, including the honour board.

They also ruined the floral wreaths in the office commemorating Martyred Intellectuals Day.

Md Moin Uddin, manager of DU club confirmed the incident to Dhaka Tribune saying: “A group of around 12 students entered the Dhaka University Teachers' Association room and broke the photograph of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, yesterday at around 8:30pm.”

DU Proctor Prof Saifuddin Ahmed said: "I was in another meeting when the incident occurred. If the club or association finds any clues from the CCTV footage, they will inform us. We will provide them with full support.”

On Saturday afternoon, at around 4:30pm, the university’s Vice-Chancellor (VC) Professor Dr Niaz Ahmed Khan, visited the site of the incident. 

He was accompanied by the university’s proctor, Saifuddin Ahmed, assistant proctor Dr Rafiqul Islam, and several others. 

During the visit, the vice-chancellor spoke with the president of the Teachers’ Association, Professor Dr Nizamul Haque Bhuiyan, and other relevant individuals.

After the inspection, the VC said: “As soon as the leaders of the Teachers’ Association informed us, we sent the proctorial team. I want to tell the students that their grievances are justified, but those grievances must not be expressed in an uncontrolled manner. We will address the matter systematically or legally as appropriate. It is crucial to avoid any unrestrained reactions.”

He added: “To prevent uncontrolled reactions, both sides need to exercise patience. We are going through a very delicate period. The country is moving through a challenging situation, and it is imperative that we act with the utmost prudence.”