The agitating teachers of Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (Buet) have decided in principle to withdraw their strike that brought to a halt the academic activities of the public university for the last one month.

The decision came following a meeting of Buet Teachers' Association with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina at her official residence Gono Bhaban last night.

Association President Prof Mujibur Rahman led the 12-member delegation to the meeting.

Education Secretary Kamal Abul Naser Chowdhury after the meeting told reporters the prime minister gave a patient hearing to the Buet teachers and assured them of solving their problems and meeting their demands.

Voicing her worries over the deadlock at Buet since April 7, she said the strike enforced by the teachers put into uncertainty the academic life of thousands of students.

Naser said the prime minister assured them of looking into the anomalies at the reputed university and urged the agitating teachers to return to the classes for the sake of their students.

Replying to a question, he said the president would intervene to resolve the crisis if any policy decision is required as he is the chancel-lorofBuet.

Naser said the Buet Syndicate has formed a committee to investigate the irregularities at the university. The Buet authorities would take action in this regard as it is an autonomous institution.

Talking to reporters, the association president said they decided in principle to withdraw the strike.

He, however, said the final decision in this regard will be taken at a general meeting of the teachers tomorrow, expressing the hope that no one will ignore the assurance of the premier. “We hope we could call off the strike and return to classes.”

Mujibur Rahman said the prime minister assured them of taking necessary steps to meet their demands after discussing with the education minister and the secretary.

LGRD Minister and Awami League General Secretary Syed Ashraful Islam, Education Minister Nurul Islam Nahid, Food Minister Abdur Razzak, State Minister for Liberation War Affairs Capt (retd) AB Tajul Islam, and PM's Advisers HT Imam and Moshiur Rahman were present.