A group of BNP-leaning teachers at Shahjalal University of Science and Technology (SUST) announced on Monday, January 19, 2026, that they will not perform duties in the upcoming ShakSU election. The declaration was made at a press conference held at the university’s Social Science Building auditorium by the Nationalist Teachers’ Forum, led by Professor Dr. Ashraf Uddin. The teachers said they were being accused of conspiracy and decided to abstain to avoid further allegations. They also urged other teachers to refrain from participating in election duties.

Professor Ashraf Uddin stated that the nationalist teachers had worked to ensure a fair and participatory election but were now being unfairly tagged as conspirators. He criticized the vice-chancellor for unilaterally announcing the election date and forming a 15-member election commission without consulting the university syndicate or broader academic community. The teachers also mentioned a letter from the Ministry of Education requesting election postponement, which they said was not shared with them.

The forum expressed concern over growing divisions among students and teachers, calling for maintaining campus harmony and coexistence.