Education Adviser Wahiduddin Mahmud strongly called for maintaining a peaceful and stable educational environment at the universities, urging them to prevent unrest and ensure a positive atmosphere for learning.
In a meeting with the Federation of Bangladesh University Teachers' Associations, Mahmud also denounced misbehavior on teachers as a punishable offense. He did not support forceful resignation through compelling, as these all are unacceptable practices.
Mahmud said a formal circular would soon be issued to take up and implement necessary measures aiming at upholding the dignity of academic institutions. The adviser's commitment to fostering a respectful and conducive educational environment was met with appreciation from teachers, who raised several pressing issues.
Campus unrest, disrespect to teachers, compulsive resignations, and harassment through legal cases were some of the topics discussed. Teachers have expressed apprehension that these activities would weaken the foundational elements in the education system. At a point when outsiders camouflaging themselves as students go to threaten the school head and teachers to force resignations, the apprehension about stability in the educational institutions has increased.
Mahmud, therefore, called on educators to redouble their efforts in the performance of their duties with a view to restoring discipline and creating a decent learning atmosphere. He expressed deep concern about the present condition and asked for patience while work proceeds for improvement. Mahmud reiterated that forced resignations must not be allowed and warned that no one-not even vice-chancellors themselves-can enforce such orders.
During the meeting, he also discussed the ongoing teachers' demonstrations for three demands. One of these demands was met as a notice was published to abolish the Prottoy pension scheme. About the other two demands for "Independent Pay Scales" and "Super Grade," Mahmud sounded very optimistic and declared he would meet with representatives of university teachers in September to discuss those and other issues related to improvement of educational quality.
The president of FBUTA, Professor Dr Md Akhtarul Islam, expressed his hope for a better educational environment and that the remaining issues would also be solved.
Dr. Wahiduddin Mahmud is an acclaimed economist and a former professor of economics at the University of Dhaka. Graduated with a PhD in economics from Cambridge University, he had taught or worked in a number of universities including Cambridge University, Oxford University, and IDS at Sussex. He contributed extensively to a large number of committees and commissions of the Government of Bangladesh and was one of the leading players of change in Bangladesh's economic policies.