The Dhaka University White Panel, a group of teachers aligned with Bangladeshi nationalism, has strongly condemned remarks made by State Minister for Primary and Mass Education Bobby Hajjaj about Dhaka University. In a statement issued on Friday, the panel described Hajjaj’s comments comparing the university to a coaching center as extremely insulting and irresponsible. The statement, signed by Professor Dr. Morshed Hasan Khan, Professor Dr. Abdus Salam, and Professor Dr. Md. Abul Kalam Sarkar, warned that teachers and students would be compelled to take strict action if the remarks were not withdrawn immediately.

The White Panel emphasized that Dhaka University holds a leading position in research and publication among public universities in Bangladesh, citing its numerous specialized research centers and international journal contributions. The group also highlighted the university’s historic role in national movements, including the Language Movement, the Liberation War, and various democratic uprisings. They stated that the minister’s comments were deeply hurtful to the university community and the nation.

The panel demanded that Bobby Hajjaj retract his statement without delay, warning of potential protest programs to defend the university’s honor if he fails to do so.