“Similarly, we do not expect any Pakistani organization to spread political views in the garb of any religious programme,” said the dissident student leader.
“My question is how can they rent RC Majumdar Auditorium when approval is needed. How did he get it?”
According to a student of the Arabic department, Prof. Abdullah Al Maroof is the head of Dawat-e-Islami’s Dhaka University section and he spoke at the seminar as the head.
When asked, Prof Maroof denied that he had organized the event. “I was just part of the audience and it was the Dean of the Faculty of Arts who approved the rental. I have no affiliation with the organization. I don’t even know,” he said.
“The university by its decision has severed all ties with Pakistan and we do not attend any seminars in Pakistan, even if we are invited. But the relation of Bangladesh government is with Pakistan. People from Pakistan also join Tablighi Jamaat. They speak Urdu there. However, some people are creating trouble over the incident.”
Professor Maroof claimed to be a member of a sub-committee of the Central Committee on Religious Affairs of the Awami League. “I am surprised that people think that a person like me can take the side of those against the independence of Bangladesh. How can I do that? Everyone knows who I am – a freedom fighter, part of a family. We Will never take anyone’s side against freedom.” ,
Professor Abdul Baseer, dean of the Faculty of Arts, however, said that the Pakistani organization has not taken permission from him to use the auditorium.
“A teacher from the Arabic department took permission from us to use the auditorium. His name is Abdullah Al Maroof. We allow teachers to use the auditorium as they conduct various events with the students,” he said.
They followed the rules for getting approval from the university, but the teacher never informed the authorities about the participants in the program, he said.
When asked, Vice-Chancellor Prof M D Akhtaruzzaman said that when he came to know about the incident, he immediately inquired with the Dean. He got information that a teacher from the Arabic department was conducting a program there.
“University is a place for knowledge. It is not a place to spread religious beliefs. There is no place for communalism here. One can nurture the study of religion but cannot spread religion itself. They should know about Have been told and warned.”
However, Prof Akhtaruzzaman sidestepped the question whether any action would be taken against the teacher for disobeying the syndicate’s decision.