For several weeks, normal higher education operations across the country have been disrupted as students and teachers have united in a boycott of classes, each group citing distinct demands.
Public university teachers have been protesting for the past two months, demanding the cancellation of the universal pension scheme "Prottoy". They argue that this issue affects their livelihoods and believe that implementing the scheme will pose further challenges to higher education, including exacerbating "brain drain".
Students have been protesting to reform the quota system in government jobs. They argue that certain forces are manipulating the country's courts, reviving an issue settled five years ago, and they hold those forces responsible if their academic lives suffer.
Speaking to Dhaka Tribune, representatives from both sides assured a return to classes soon and that the government could accommodate their reasonable demands if genuinely willing.
The protesting student representatives indicated that the ball is now in the government's court to accept their demands, following the court's decision.
Speaking on condition of anonymity, a government policymaker dismissed the teachers' demands as unrealistic, asserting that the new pension policy would actually strengthen teachers' financial positions. Moreover, the government has prioritized increasing teachers' salaries.
Therefore, the official added, teachers must end their movement and return students to classrooms.
A day after the Supreme Court ordered students protesting quota reforms to resume classes and instructed university vice-chancellors to ensure a conducive learning environment, the University Grants Commission (UGC) issued similar directives on Thursday.
However, protesting teachers against the Pension Scheme criticized the UGC's directive, questioning how they could resume classes while teachers continue their indefinite strike demanding exemption from the pension scheme.
They suggested that the UGC should write to the government to resolve their issue, saying it could be easily resolved. Nevertheless, the UGC clarified that their directive was merely to enforce the Supreme Court's observations as part of their duty.
The University Grants Commission (UGC) on Thursday sent a letter to the vice chancellors of all public and private universities to bring back students, who have been protesting for the reformation of the quota system in government jobs, to the classrooms.
The letter says that the Appellate Division of the Supreme Court issued observations and directives following two civil petitions, requesting all vice chancellors of universities to comply with these instructions.
These directives include instructing all protesting students to return to their respective institutions, urging university VCs, proctors, and other educational heads to facilitate the resumption of classes, and allowing agitating students to present their views through legal representation, which the court will consider in its final decision.
However, the UGC's letter did not mention the ongoing work stoppage by public university teachers demanding the cancellation of the “Prottoy Scheme” for universal pension.
When asked about this, UGC Secretary Prof. Dr. Ferdous Zaman told Dhaka Tribune that these are the Supreme Court's observations, and it is their responsibility to ensure compliance by universities. He added that if the government issues any directions regarding the teachers' movement, the universities will be notified accordingly.
Earlier, the Appellate Division of the Supreme Court issued a four-week status quo on the quota system in government jobs and the High Court's judgment.
The apex court instructed protesting students to return to classes and attend exams, and directed all university vice-chancellors to create a conducive educational environment.
Again, the UGC's letter did not address the public university teachers' ongoing protest against the ”'Prottoy Scheme” for universal pension.
In response, UGC Secretary Prof Ferdous Zaman told Dhaka Tribune that, as part of their duty, the UGC had gently reminded universities of the Supreme Court's observations and instructed them to comply with the court order.
He also mentioned that the UGC had not received any directives from the government regarding the teachers' demands regarding the universal pension scheme.
Speaking to Dhaka Tribune, Prof Md Akhtarul Islam, president of the Federation of Bangladesh University Teachers Association, said: "We are prepared to return to classrooms, and there is no dispute about resuming classes. However, our protests will continue until our demands are met."
He added: "After discussions with teachers' leaders from all public universities, we will initiate a new comprehensive program. No teacher will return to classes until our demands are addressed."
Dhaka University Vice Chancellor ASM Maksud Kamal said that they would internally discuss and decide on the resumption of classes for students.