BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman held a closed-door meeting with members of Dhaka University’s White Panel — a group of teachers aligned with Bangladeshi nationalist ideology — as political tensions continue to simmer across Bangladesh.
The meeting, which lasted about 90 minutes, took place at the BNP Chairperson’s office in Gulshan on Monday night (May 26).
Over 150 DU teachers affiliated with the White Panel were present.
The delegation was led by panel convener Professor Dr Morshed Hasan Khan, along with joint conveners Professor Dr Abdus Salam and Professor Dr Md Abul Kalam Sarkar.
During the discussion, teachers expressed concern over what they described as "years of repression and harassment" of opposition-aligned academics and students on campus under the Awami League-led government.
They alleged that dissent was suppressed through administrative pressure, particularly after the political shift on August 5, 2024.
According to meeting sources, Tarique Rahman listened closely as the teachers shared their experiences.
In response, he praised Dhaka University as the cradle of democratic movements in Bangladesh, acknowledging the crucial role played by its faculty and students in the country’s political history — including the mass protests of 2024.
“The flame of resistance was lit on the DU campus and spread nationwide,” he was quoted as saying. “Though the fascist regime has been removed, democracy and the people’s right to vote are yet to be fully restored. Teachers and students must remain united and vigilant until fair elections are held.”
Tarique Rahman concluded the session by urging continued solidarity in the fight for democracy.
Prominent attendees included former panel convener Professor Dr Akhtar Hossain Khan; Professor Dr ABM Obaidul Islam; Professor Dr Abdur Rashid; Dhaka University Proctor Professor Dr Saifuddin Ahmed; Professor Dr Sukomal Barua; and several faculty deans and residential hall provosts.
The meeting saw participation from educators across various departments, representing a significant portion of the DU academic community.
SMS/
