University Teachers' Network urges Dhaka University to remain accessible to everyone

The University Teachers' Network on Friday urged that the Dhaka University campus remain open for both vehicular and pedestrian access as it was previously.

The group expressed concerns that the sudden decision to restrict public access through the university area has caused inconvenience and contributed to negative perceptions of the institution.

In a press release, the University Teachers' Network stated that its members, who include faculty from various universities, met with Dhaka University Vice-Chancellor Niaz Ahmed Khan on Thursday to voice their concerns and present their demands.

According to the press release, the university authorities had erected barricades at seven entrances on December 13 to reduce public crowding on campus. Subsequently, the Proctor's Office issued a notice restricting vehicular movement during specific hours: from 3 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Fridays, Saturdays, and public holidays, and from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. on other days. Exceptions were made only for vehicles with Dhaka University stickers and emergency services.

These measures have since led to strict regulation of vehicular traffic on campus, causing severe congestion in the surrounding areas.

The University Teachers' Network leaders called on the administration to reopen the campus to vehicular movement to help ease Dhaka’s worsening traffic situation.

Additionally, they presented two further demands to the Vice-Chancellor. First, the announcement of election dates for the Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (Ducsu) and the Teachers’ Association. Second, ensuring that decisions regarding the Syndicate, Senate, Academic Council, and socio-cultural matters are made through consultations with relevant stakeholders.

The press release emphasized that Dhaka University holds historical and cultural significance for Bangladesh, having played a pivotal role in national and political movements, including the 2024 mass uprising. The campus continues to serve as a hub for intellectual and cultural activities.

The group also highlighted that roads managed by the city corporation passing through the campus are public rights of way and should remain accessible to all citizens.

The press release noted the administration’s regret over erasing graffiti commemorating the July Uprising from metro rail pillars near the Teacher-Student Centre (TSC). Discussions during the meeting also addressed concerns about "unjust policing" involving students from the Faculty of Fine Arts earlier in the week, as well as the scope of authority exercised by the Proctorial Team.

The group advised that the proctor should act within their defined responsibilities and avoid retaliatory or biased behavior.