Fury in Bangladesh over possible Stirling Uni job cuts

Mar 18 2011 by Johnathon Menzies, Stirling Observer Friday

PROTESTS over possible job losses at the University of Stirling took place in Bangladesh this week.

Members of Mymensingh’s Bangladesh Agricultural University took to the city’s streets on Monday to support staff facing the threat of redundancy.

Staff at the institute of aquaculture are waiting nervously after the university’s redundancy committee convened on Tuesday and Thursday this week.

The committee will report to the university court, with a final outcome to be announced on Monday.

Stirling graduate Mostafa Hossain – now a professor of aquatic biodiversity in Bangladesh – said former students are concerned links between the two nations will suffer.

He said: “We have enjoyed a long-term, close relationship with staff in Stirling, in both research and teaching, and we’re shocked at the prospect of further collaborations being impossible because of already over-committed staff being further stretched.

“Former Stirling students are spread all over Bangladesh and are contributing to poverty reduction through farming and processing fish, as government officers, development workers and with commercial organisations.”

Mohammad Haque, who completed a PhD in Stirling three years ago, added: “Clearly the senior management are out of touch and need to visit countries like Bangladesh to see the work being done.

“They should be building up staff numbers, not ripping the heart out of the institute.”

The demonstration also included an impassioned speech by the dean of Bangladesh Agricultural University, Prof Wahab.

A consulation on the future of the award-winning facility started in October. The centre was previously said to be operating with a £2 million deficit, although that has since been reduced.

It is unclear how many positions will be lost but officials from the University and College Union have speculated that as many as 36 could go.

A spokesperson for the University of Stirling said savings have to be made to ensure the scientific hub progresses to a “strong and sustainable” future.

Andrew Shinn, a senior lecturer at the institute of aquaculture, runs Mymensingh’s fish museum and biodiversity center with Prof Hossain.