The New Nation - Internet Edition

JU Correspondent

Academic activities have come to a standstill on the Jahangirnagar University campus as teachers are abstaining from taking classes demanding expulsion of the students involved in assaulting their colleague of Drama and Dramatics Department.

The Jahangirnagar University Teachers Association (JUTA) called the continuous work abstention and non-cooperation programme till their demand was met. They also thanked the teachers and students for observing the first day's programme of indefinite work stoppage peacefully.

However, general students are frustrated as their studentship is going to be lengthy for the uncertain situation created by the call. The upcoming admission test of the academic session 2008-09 which is scheduled for January 3 is facing uncertainty due to the programme.

No classes and other academic activities except for the pre-announced final examination were held in different departments of the university on the first day of the work abstention programme.

It may be mentioned that Ahmed Sani, a teacher of the Drama and Dramatics Department, proved innocent by the syndicate, the highest policy-making body of the university, joined the department on October 21 and on the same day some of his students assaulted him indiscriminately.

Hearing the news the JUTA authorities submitted a memorandum to the acting Vice-Chancellor on that day demanding punishment of the accused students. The JU VC suspended six students temporarily but the JUTA demanded expulsion of all of them.

When contacted the JU VC, Prof Mohammed Muniruzzaman told this correspondent that he was trying to resolve the issue through consultation with the JUTA soon.