RU teachers, staff on daylong strike over ‘attack’ on pro-VC

Teachers, officials, and employees of Rajshahi University are observing a full-day strike on Sunday, September 21, in protest against the “attack” on a Pro-Vice-Chancellor and several faculty members during a demonstration over the reinstatement of the ward quota system. 

The strike began on campus early this morning.

The action was announced on Saturday evening by Professor Abdul Alim, President of the Nationalist Teachers Forum and Professor in the Department of Agronomy and Agricultural Extension. In a written statement issued at 9:30 pm on Saturday (20 September), he said: “Zuberi Bhaban is a residential and club facility. We will observe a full-day strike tomorrow to protest the assault on our Pro-Vice-Chancellor and colleagues at the premises, and to demand immediate punishment for those responsible.” 

The incident occurred on Saturday afternoon, when protesting students locked the residential gates of the two Pro-Vice-Chancellors. Unable to access their quarters, Pro-Vice-Chancellor Professor Main Uddin Khan and Proctor Professor Mahbubur Rahman proceeded towards Zuberi Bhaban. As they walked, students followed them, chanting slogans.

Upon reaching the balcony of Zuberi Bhaban, a university teacher and an official from the printing house attempted to restrain the advancing students. Scuffles broke out, and tensions escalated as protesters surrounded Professor Khan. A physical altercation ensued between faculty members and demonstrators.

Later, as the Pro-Vice-Chancellor moved to the second floor of the building, students again blocked his path — this time on the second-floor balcony — further intensifying the confrontation.

The university community remains tense as the strike continues, with staff demanding accountability and disciplinary action against those allegedly involved in the incident.