Take action against professor Akmal: DUTA

Protesting the remarks of former Dhaka University teacher professor Akmal Hossain about the participation of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and prime minister Sheikh Hasina in the liberation war, Dhaka University Teachers' Association (DUTA) on Wednesday demanded the home ministry and the DU administration take legal action against him, reports UNB.

It also threatened to launch a tough movement if its demand is not met.

The demand was made from a human chain formed in front of the Arts Faculty.

Speaking at a demonstration organised under the banner of 'Teachers against Repression' at the foot of Aparajeya Bangla of the university on 19 July, former teacher of DU's International Relations department professor Akmal questioned whether Bangabandhu and Sheikh Hasina took part in the liberation war.

The DUTA leaders alleged that professor Akmal made derogatory remarks about Bangabandhu and distorted the history in his speech.

Addressing the human chain, DUTA president professor ASM Maksud Kamal said the liberation war started with the proclamation of independence by Bangabandhu and it was led by him. "We achieved our independence under his leadership. But professor Akmal showed audacity by making such comments."

He also alleged that BNP-Jamaat men infiltrated into the quota reform movement in a bid to destabilise the Dhaka University.

At the human chain, some teachers said they also want rational reforms of the quota system, but the remarks which had no relations with the movement were totally unacceptable.

On Wednesday, professor Akmal in a statement claimed that his remarks were partially presented and said he had no intention to defame Bangabandhu in his speech.