A partial convening committee of the University Teachers Link (UTL) at Jagannath University (JnU) has been formed. The 15-member committee has appointed Professor Dr. Abu Laek from the Department of Computer Science and Engineering as the Convener, and Dr. Asadur Rahman Sadi, Associate Professor from the Department of Law, as the Member Secretary.
On Sunday (October 26) at 2 p.m. Professor Md. Ataur Rahman Biswas, the Central Convener of UTL, will officially announce the committee at the university’s teachers’ lounge.
In a written statement, Mohammad Belal Hossain said,In the context of the independence of 1947, the liberation of 1971, and the July Revolution of 2024, UTL has emerged with a clear vision. The vision of the organization is to build a dignified, independent, and committed academia that adheres to the standards of education, research, and moral responsibility. Alongside, we aim to work on five fundamental principles academic excellence, self-respect, national commitment, religious tolerance, and collective responsibility.”
Regarding membership, he said, “Any teacher from public or private universities in Bangladesh who agrees with the principles, vision, mission, goals, and activities of UTL is eligible to become a member.”
In response to a journalist’s question, Dr. Mohammad Belal Hossain explained, “Ideologically, UTL is an organization of teachers who believe in Bangladeshi nationalism and Muslim nationalism. It is a platform for centrist, right-wing, and faith-based academics a community of believers. We have made it clear that people of any faith may join UTL, but those who identify as secular or non-religious cannot become members.”
When asked about UTL’s role in the DUCSU elections, Professor Md. Ataur Rahman Biswas, the Central Convener, said, “UTL has always advocated for fair and democratic DUCSU elections. We provided various suggestions to the administration and monitored each polling center on the election day. Likewise, we will provide full support to the administration to ensure a free and fair student council election at Jagannath University, Inshallah.”
Other members of the committee include: Joint Conveners Professor Dr. Muhammad Nurullah (Department of Islamic Studies) and Professor Dr. Tarek Muhammad Shamsul Arefin (Department of Economics), Joint Member Secretary Assistant Professor Ashraf Uddin (Department of Geography and Environment), Treasurer Associate Professor Muhammad Abdus Salam (Department of Philosophy).
In addition, nine more faculty members will serve as general members of the committee.
The event was attended by Professor Dr. Mosharraf Hossain, Treasurer of UTL Central Committee and Chairman of the Department of Finance at the University of Dhaka and several teachers from various departments of Jagannath University.