On April 28, 2024, members of the Comilla University teachers’ association clashed with the university’s vice chancellor and other members of the administration, prompting an indefinite closure of the university.

The clash stemmed from a series of teachers’ association protests that began on February 19, when teachers’ association leaders met with Comilla University Vice Chancellor Abdul Moyeen to present a list of demands. That meeting resulted in a scuffle, during which the teachers’ association locked the vice chancellor in his officer for approximately four hours.

Following the February 19th meeting, the teachers’ association developed a 7-point list of demands, including the dismissal of two members of the Comilla University administration. When their demands went unmet, the association boycotted classes from April 21 to April 25 before declaring the Moyeen, along with the university’s treasurer and procter, as “persona non grata” and locking their offices.

On April 28, the vice chancellor, together with several teachers and former Bangladesh Chhatra League student leaders, attempted to enter his office. This led to another scuffle. Both sides accused the other of responsibility and fired complaints at the local police station.

On April 30, the university was declared indefinitely closed and departmental exams were suspended.

Scholars at Risk is concerned about on-campus clashes impeding the functioning of a university. All members of the higher education community must refrain from violence, especially on campus. State and university authorities should take steps to prevent and respond to such attacks, including by carrying out investigations and holding perpetrators accountable, in accordance with international human rights standards. In addition to harm to the immediate victims, violent attacks on campus undermine academic freedom and democratic society generally.

Sources:
*SAR identified this incident in data made publicly available by the Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project (ACLED)
https://www.thedailystar.net/news/bangladesh/news/comilla-univ-vc-accused-assaulting-teachers-3598371
https://www.thedailystar.net/campus/news/vc-teachers-feud-cou-stalemate-leaves-students-limbo-3626896
https://www.tbsnews.net/bangladesh/cumilla-university-unrest-vc-alleges-assault-amid-faculty-standoff-839681