Complete Shutdown Declared at Rajshahi University

The Syndicate of Rajshahi University (RU) has decided to suspend institutional admission facilities and the quota for children of university teachers, officers, and staff. In response, Moktar Hossain, president of the Officers’ Association, announced a complete shutdown of the university in protest.

An emergency syndicate meeting was held on Sunday, 21 September, at the residence of Vice-Chancellor Professor Saleh Hasan Naqib. After the meeting, Acting Registrar Iftikharul Alam Masud spoke to reporters.

He stated that the syndicate upheld the suspension of admissions under institutional facilities. In addition, the syndicate decided to investigate the recent incident of teacher harassment in the Zuberi Hall. To this end, a five-member inquiry committee has been formed, and a judicial investigation will also be conducted.

The Acting Registrar added: “Yesterday, the announcement regarding the suspension of institutional admissions was communicated to the syndicate. The syndicate supported this decision. Admissions under institutional facilities were scheduled to begin today, but we are not starting them. Decisions will be taken after consultation with all relevant bodies.”

Regarding the unprecedented harassment of a teacher at Zuberi Hall, he said: “Yesterday, a Deputy Vice-Chancellor was physically harassed in an extraordinary manner. The syndicate has strongly condemned this incident and formed a five-member committee for a proper investigation. Additionally, a judicial inquiry will be conducted to ensure impartiality.”

When asked about the suspension of the quota for children of university staff, Moktar Hossain, president of the RU Officers’ Association, expressed disappointment: “We are extremely disheartened by this decision. All other universities in the country provide this facility. Denying us this right has forced us to declare a complete shutdown from tomorrow. However, transportation, water, electricity, and services under RAKSU will remain unaffected.”

This decision and the shutdown reflect growing tensions between the university administration and staff representatives, highlighting ongoing disputes over institutional benefits and campus governance.