The New Nation - Internet Edition

Staff Reporter

Law and Information Adviser Barrister Mainul Hosein yesterday said teachers could be politically conscious but they should not get involved in the party politics.

"The incident of university teachers being convicted is not a pleasant matter," he said adding," importance should be given to the fact that the university teachers should remain as teachers, so that none of us fall in such an embarrassing situation."

Replying to another question, he said there might be difference of opinion and since there is the scope for appeal, it should not be wise to comment that the judges have not given a proper judgment.

On another query about special consideration of the government on teachers in such a situation, the adviser said there is still the scope for that.

"There are still scopes to be lenient with the teachers, who have been convicted," he said adding, "if the convicted teachers appeal for leniency, then there is a legal avenue for the government to consider that."

Replying to another question on trial of the accused teachers of Dhaka University, Barrister Mainul Hosein said trial is being conducted as per the law. "Rule of law is necessary for democracy," he added.

"It may seem unpleasant, but it is true that we have to face unpleasant situation if we want to establish rule of law in Bangladesh," he said.

The adviser felt it urgent to ensure that none, whatever special position one might stay in, should think that they are above the law. As a result, he observed, there would be a long term benefit and everyone will think that none is above the law.

He said the university teachers teach in the highest seats of learning and if they are involved in political grouping, then the respect the students show to them gets divided because the teachers belong to different political parties.

"The relations between teachers and students should be like the relations between father and children," he said adding, "the ideology of party politics should not be imposed upon such a holy relations."