DU Correspondent :
The teachers and staff of Dhaka University (DU) are steadfast in their refusal to provide services as a protest against their inclusion in the universal pension scheme ‘Prottoy,’ effectively bringing the university to a standstill yesterday.
Terming the Prottoy scheme discriminatory, university teachers across the country have been protesting since March of this year. They began a new phase of their ongoing protest on Monday after failing to receive any assurances from the government in favor of their demands.
Additionally, the employees of Dhaka University (DU) are also observing the work stoppage, causing the university to remain completely closed.
The Federation of Bangladesh University Teachers’ Association (FBUTA) announced the entire work stoppage on Sunday, stating that the strike will be observed at 35 public universities across the country.
According to the protest announced by the teachers’ association, the teachers of Dhaka University have commenced a complete strike from this morning. There was a notable absence of teachers and staff in faculties and institutes.
A visit to the DU campus yesterday revealed that teachers were not performing their duties, the university library was closed, and students were deprived of services from the DU medical center.
Furthermore, the Dhaka University Officers-Workers Unity Parishad has been observing the work stoppage since this morning. In the afternoon, many officers and employees were seen sitting and chatting in front of the registrar’s building after refraining from their duties.
The Dhaka University Teachers Association (DUTA) also abstained from participating in the DU founding anniversary ceremony observed yesterday.
Earlier on Sunday, DUTA General Secretary Prof. Zeenat Huda stated that all kinds of classes and examinations, regular and irregular programs, administrative activities including chairmen offices, hall provost offices, research centers, institutes, the central library, dean offices, computer labs, and seminars will be shut down.