On the government’s ambiguous stance regarding nationwide intolerance, hatred, and mob lynching, the University Teachers' Network sent an open letter to Chief Adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus, urging to take prompt action against these atrocities targeting minorities in the CHT.
These acts have been perpetrated by agitated groups spreading hate speech and interfering with the freedom of expression of individuals from diverse identities and communities.
A press conference organized by the University Teachers' Network (UTN) was held at the DU Club on September 28, 2024Saturday.
Gitiara Nasreen, a professor in the Department of Mass Communication and Journalism, addressed the attendees with a written statement demanding a clear stance from the government regarding the ongoing atrocities against the minorities.
The letter said: "Shrines, temples, and idols were vandalized including the attacks over the Baul and the Ahmedia community by the intolerants. Women were harassed and attacked on the roads and in tourist spots. Labourers have been oppressed by thugs employed by industry owners."
The letter expressed concerns over the continuous atrocities ongoing in universities, colleges, schools, and offices. "We believe that these accidents are related to the lack of democracy in society for a long time.”
Nasreen said that they expect at least an official statement from the government clarifying their stance against the ongoing issues which is unacceptable.
“In this critical time, it is very important for the present government to play a fearless role and take immediate steps. Therefore, in order to mitigate intolerance by overzealous groups, those who spread hate speech and interfere with the freedom of expression of people of different identities and communities or citizens' freedom of expression - must be stopped.
The letter mentions that three people were killed in the country’s three separate universities by mob lynching. In CHT, the poeple belonging to the ethnic minority communities were killed brutally.
It also highlights the murder of Lieutenant Tanzim Sarwar Nirzon, who was fatally attacked by robbers while on duty in Chakaria, Cox's Bazar.
UTN stands for university politics
Rushad Faridi, Assistant Professor in the Department of Economics at DU, responded to a question by stating, "Neither student politics nor teacher politics poses a problem when the rule of law, accountability, and justice are in place. Under such conditions, no one can exploit the system, seize undue benefits, or occupy hall seats around which student politics used to function."
He further added that the politics practiced by the Chhatra League does not reflect the proper standard of campus politics.
Sayeed Ferdous, a professor of the Department of Anthropology of Jahangirnagar University, said the current government is the result of the country's shifting political landscape. Although the student movement did not operate under a political banner, its characteristics and rhetoric were entirely political and propelled forward politically.
“It was a political movement. We are not against politics. No one can take extra benefit, take over and occupy the seats in the hall centering which the student politics had functioned before,” he added.
UTN demands abolition of CSA
Dr Gitiara Nasreen said that UTN has been always vocal about the Digital Security Act before and the new Cyber Security Act.
“We have not heard anything regarding the matter from the government yet. Though the government has changed, we have not stepped away from our demand for the cancellation of the CSA which we think of as a hurdle for freedom of speech,” she said.