Dhaka: The Dhaka University Teachers’ Association (DUTA) has called for the revocation of disciplinary actions imposed on 10 university teachers following decisions made in the institution’s syndicate meetings on 22 June and 28 July. This demand was communicated through a notification signed by DUTA President Prof. Dr. Md. Nizamul Hoque Buiyan and General Secretary Prof. Dr. Zeenat Huda.

According to United News of Bangladesh, the notification expressed strong opposition to the syndicate’s decisions, which included the permanent expulsion of one professor and the relief of six professors from their academic and administrative duties. The association emphasized that Dhaka University, as an autonomous institution governed by the ‘Dhaka University Order, 1973’, should not be subject to punitive measures without thorough investigation and conclusions from a fact-finding committee and tribunal.

The notification criticized the previous ‘unelected administration’ for adopting a singular approach and allegedly creating an environment of oppression by restraining 70-80 teachers from their duties and socially stigmatizing them. It also highlighted the rarity of such punitive measures against experienced educators and compared it to the historical context of the 1971 independence war.

DUTA underscored the importance of maintaining the university’s autonomy and ensuring a diverse academic environment. It warned against creating a culture of fear and suppression of dissent in response to political changes, which could set a negative precedent.

Meanwhile, questions have emerged regarding the legitimacy of DUTA’s current leadership, as the tenure of its executive committee ended on 31 December 2024. Following a boycott by the BNP-aligned White Panel, the Awami League-backed Blue Panel was elected unopposed, but no new elections have been held since.

The association’s executive committee, originally consisting of 15 members, is now functioning with only the president and general secretary after 11 members resigned in February 2025. This has led to discrepancies in the issuance of statements, with the president and general secretary differing in their accounts of the process.

DUTA President Prof. Dr. Md. Nizamul Hoque Buiyan acknowledged the association’s limited functionality due to the lack of active members. In response, General Secretary Prof. Dr. Zeenat Huda asserted that the association is operating within constitutional guidelines and has requested an election to address the issue. The previous committee is expected to continue its duties until a new committee is elected.