Teachers’ group calls DU’s suspension of Zeenat Huda ‘politically motivated’

The Bangladesh Public University Progressive Teachers’ Society has expressed deep concern and strongly protested Dhaka University’s suspension of Professor Zeenat Huda and its decision to form a tribunal against her.

In a statement issued Thursday, the organisation described Zeenat, general secretary of the Dhaka University Teachers’ Association, as a distinguished teacher and sociologist.

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It alleged that the investigation against Zeenat was aimed at suppressing dissent and was “politically motivated”.

“We firmly believe that the relevance, necessity and purpose of the investigation are an expression of suppression of dissent and political vengeance,” the statement said.

The organisation also alleged that Zeenat had been subjected to a disciplinary process based on “completely false and baseless allegations” and a “fabricated” report by the investigation committee.

Such a process, it said, raised serious questions about fairness, the dignity of teachers and academic freedom.

The statement said DU has traditionally been a centre of free thought, knowledge, research and freedom of expression.

“Differences of opinion should be addressed through reason and intellectual discussion, not through administrative harassment or disciplinary measures,” it said.

The organisation demanded the immediate withdrawal of Zeenat’s suspension and an end to “irrelevant and politically-motivated” investigation and tribunal proceedings.

On Wednesday, DU syndicate suspended Zeenat over allegations that she took a position against students during the July Uprising.