The New Nation - Internet Edition

Al-Amin

Suspicion has grown over holding the election of Jahangirnagar University Teachers Association (JUTA) on September 07 in the face of protest from some Pro-Awami League teachers.

It is learnt that JUTA took decision to hold its election on September 7 at its general meeting held recently as per demand of the teachers.

JUTA also formed a one member-election commission with Prof Mirza Mafizul Islam of Geography and Environmental Science Department to hold the JUTA election freely and fairly.

But some Pro-Awami League teachers protested the election schedule arguing that no fair and free election would be possible under the state of emergency.

A statement signed by 42 Pro-Awami teachers, urged the authorities to postpone the election schedule.

However, Professor Shamsul Alam Selim, General Secretary of Somomana Teachers Forum opposed the statement saying that suspension of the election schedule would be an anti-democratic process.

"They want to disrupt election process, fearing their ultimate defeat in the election," Prof Selim said.

Referring to recent elections in the public universities like Dhaka University's dean election, Prof Selim posed the question what's problem holding the JUTA election.

JUTA Election commissioner Prof Mirza Mofizul Islam said, "we will try our best to hold the election in due time if the government doesn't impose ban on it."

The JUTA election was held in early 2006 during the tenure of the BNP-Jammat Government.