Teachers of Rajshahi University (RU) yesterday threatened to launch tougher agitation if the university authorities do not stop 'illegal' appointments of teachers and employees.

The teachers under the banner of Progressive Teachers' Association (PTA) called on Vicechancellor Prof Altaf Hossain at his office and urged him to postpone extra-appointments against vacant posts in many departments.

Led by association Convenor Prof Muhammad Nurullah, the teachers expressed grave concern over recent appointments of more than 350 employees allegedly on political considerations.

The association alleged that the present administration has stopped promotion of many teachers who were supporters of opposition political parties.

It also protested the appointment of 'two controversial teachers' in law and justice department.

The RU syndicate appointed seven teachers in the department against six posts ignoring the recommendations of the planning committee and the decision of the university selection board.

The association also protested the recruitment of 19 teachers against seven advertised posts in fine arts, marketing and information and communication technology departments.

The appointments were made under political consideration and ignoring meritorious candidates, it alleged.

The association members said the current recruiting process has turned the university into an 'appointment bureau of Jamaat and BNP activists.'

They also alleged that the university authorities exert pressure on the departments and offices to recruit new persons even when there are no vacant posts.

They also told the VC that he had lost his moral rights to stay in his post as he allowed Mahbub Alam Salehi, a suspect in Prof S Taher murder case, to appear at master's examination.