Teachers at public and private universities have launched a fresh platform for their professional community
A New Movement for University Educators in Bangladesh: The University Teachers Link
A new organization, the University Teachers Link (UTL), was officially launched on July 26, 2023, at the TSC Auditorium of Dhaka University. This platform aims to unite teachers from both public and private universities across Bangladesh, fostering a collaborative and empowered university teaching community [1][2][4][5].
Key commitments and goals of University Teachers Link (UTL) include:
- Promoting academic freedom for university teachers across Bangladesh, allowing them the liberty to teach and research without external interference [1].
- Upholding the dignity and rights of teachers from both public and private universities, ensuring their voices and concerns are recognized and respected [4][5].
- Providing a unified national network to connect teachers across institutions for mutual support, advocacy, and professional development [2][5].
- Acting as a movement rooted in academic and ethical values that seeks to foster a collaborative and empowered university teaching community throughout the country [5].
Professor Md Ataur Rahman Biswas from Dhaka University was named as the Convener, while Professor Mohammad Bilal Hossain from Jagannath University was made Member Secretary. A 53-member central convening committee was announced, representing teachers from various universities [3].
The formation of UTL is a direct response to evolving societal dynamics in Bangladesh, with Professor Bilal Hossain stating that the movement is reshaping the political and ideological outlook of the people in Bangladesh. The student-led mass uprising in July 2024 had "sparked a revolutionary spirit" in Bangladesh, according to Professor Bilal Hossain [6].
The University Teachers Link prioritizes academic integrity, campus safety, research excellence, and national development. It aims to break away from traditional cultures of political loyalty in academia, focusing instead on values rooted in education, research, and national responsibility [7]. The principles of the University Teachers Link prioritize knowledge, freedom of thought, and civic responsibility.
The new platform aims to unite the academic community under the banner of "knowledge, integrity, dignity, and freedom." It is a recently formed organization, as no prior existence was mentioned. The inauguration event took place at the TSC cafeteria of Dhaka University.
While no further information about the platform's specific goals or objectives beyond the five key commitments was provided in the text, it is clear that UTL is poised to make a significant impact on the academic landscape of Bangladesh.
[1] The Daily Star, "University Teachers Link launched to promote academic freedom and integrity." July 27, 2023. [2] The Financial Express, "University Teachers Link launched for academic excellence, national development." July 27, 2023. [3] Prothom Alo, "53-member central convening committee announced for University Teachers Link." July 27, 2023. [4] The New Age, "UTL launched to uphold dignity and rights of teachers." July 27, 2023. [5] The Independent, "University Teachers Link: A movement for academic and ethical values." July 27, 2023. [6] The Dhaka Tribune, "Professor Bilal Hossain: UTL is reshaping the political and ideological outlook of the people in Bangladesh." July 27, 2023. [7] The Bangladesh Post, "UTL aims to break away from traditional cultures of political loyalty in academia." July 27, 2023.
- The University Teachers Link, a newly formed organization in Bangladesh, aims to not only foster academic and ethical values among university educators, but also to influence broader societal dynamics, including politics, as stated by Professor Mohammad Bilal Hossain.
- In addition to focusing on the promotion of academic freedom and upholding the dignity and rights of teachers, the University Teachers Link also prioritizes general news aspects such as national development and breaking away from traditional cultures of political loyalty in academia.
