Prof Gitiara Nasreen, of the Department of Mass Communication and Journalism at Dhaka University, read out the open letter at a press conference at Dhaka University Teachers Club on Saturday (September 28).
University Teacher's Network (UTN) has called upon the interim government to be more active against attacks, anarchy, hatred and intolerant attitude at different parts of the country.
They have sent an open letter containing their demands to the Chief Adviser on Sunday.
On behalf of the UTN, Prof Gitiara Nasreen, of the Department of Mass Communication and Journalism at Dhaka University, read out the open letter at a press conference at Dhaka University Teachers Club on Saturday (September 28).
The letter states "It is very regrettable that we have been witnessing various intolerant, aggressive and anarchist gatherings in various parts of the country within just a few weeks of the mass uprising. Not only the hate speeches were uttered at those gatherings against their opponents, but also attacks were launched on those people. Three people were killed in organized brutalities at three universities. An army officer was killed while apprehending criminals. People of different ethnicities have been brutally killed in the Chittagong Hill Tracts."
The letter reads "Women are being assaulted, molested and severely harassed on the streets and in tourist areas. Workers are being oppressed by goons hired by factory owners. In universities, colleges, schools and offices, a number of incidents of violence are taking place. Starting from vandalising shrines, temples, industrial establishments, Bauls and Ahmadiyyas have also been attacked."
"We believe that these accidents are related to various unresolved issues and lack of democracy that has prevailed in society for a long time. If this continues, the insecurity of the citizens will intensify and the government will have to face more problems to overcome the crisis," the letter also says.
"During this transitional period, it is necessary for the government to play its role in an unquestionable manner, and take immediate action. Thus, those who are spreading these hateful remarks to appease the intolerance of over enthusiastic groups, and those who are attacking people of different communities and identities, and interfering with the citizens' freedom of expression must be stopped," the letter reads.
DU teachers Tasneem Siraj Mahbub, Kamrul Hassan Mamun, and Samina Luthfa, Jahangirnagar University teacher Sayeed Ferdous, and Jagannath University teacher Nasir Uddin Ahmed were present at the press conference.
