The Rajshahi University Central Students’ Union (RUCSU) General Secretary, Salahuddin Ammar, has come under intense criticism from the branch of the Nationalist Teachers’ Forum for his recent conduct. On Monday night, the forum’s President, Professor Abdul Alim, and General Secretary, Professor Mohammad Amirul Islam, issued a statement denouncing Ammar’s behaviour.
According to the statement, Ammar reportedly addressed university teachers, officers, and staff in offensive language and created a climate of fear across campus by locking various offices arbitrarily and engaging in threatening behaviour. These actions, the teachers argue, have not only tarnished the university’s reputation but also disrupted the academic and research environment.
The teachers drew parallels with their previous calls for exemplary punishment in the case of the assassination of Sharif Osman Hadi, stressing that those opposing the July–August movement must also be held accountable. They emphasised that any wrongdoing should be addressed through proper investigation and legal channels rather than taking the law into one’s own hands, which they likened to authoritarian behaviour.
The statement also clarified that Rajshahi University operates under the 1973 Ordinance, which stipulates fixed-term appointments for statutory bodies such as Deans, Syndicate members, the Academic Council, and the Finance Committee. Although the terms of current Deans ended on 17 December, no elections had been held, prompting the Vice-Chancellor to extend their duties in accordance with the ordinance. The forum affirmed that there was no legal fault on the part of the Deans.
Furthermore, the forum criticised Ammar’s social media posts for insulting Deans and denigrating the teaching community. They highlighted that his threatening language has undermined campus discipline and the overall educational atmosphere.
When contacted, Professor Abdul Alim told Samakal, “A student cannot be creating mobs at will. The university has established procedures to handle rule violations; a student is not responsible for enforcing them.” In response, Ammar defended himself on Facebook, asserting that the teachers’ criticism is politically motivated.
Summary of Key Controversies Involving Salahuddin Ammar:
| Date | Incident | Details | Consequence |
|---|---|---|---|
| 29 July | Fundraising letter | Requested BDT 7.6 million from 70 organisations for “36 July: Liberation Festival” concert | Became public on social media; BDT 0.2 million donated by Rajshahi City Corporation |
| 20 Sept | Protest against re-instatement of quota | Led student protest blocking Vice-Provost’s vehicle and occupying Zuberi building | Physical scuffle; Vice-Provost temporarily trapped; quota reinstatement suspended |
| 9 Nov | Unauthorized entry | Entered Registrar’s office during political meeting | Verbal altercation with staff |
| 26 Nov | Concert loss | Artists withdrew; organiser incurred BDT 1.6 million loss | Legal case filed by Ammar |
| 18 Dec | Media ban statement | Threatened closure of major newspapers | Condemned by teachers |
| 19 Dec | Threat to staff | Warned staff supporting Awami League factions | Heightened campus tension |
| 21 Dec | Office lockout | Locked offices of three Deans and administrative officials | Six Deans resigned under pressure |
In addition, Ammar’s Facebook post accused 99% of the university’s teaching staff of ethical and professional failures, prompting widespread criticism. Professor A.K.M. Masud Reza of the Bengali Department remarked, “Teachers’ competence and ethics are determined by clear university ordinances, not by student judgement. No one should overstep their limits.”
The Bangladesh Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal (JASAD) has also expressed concern over Ammar’s intimidation tactics, calling for strict legal action and administrative vigilance to curb mob rule and maintain order on campus.