Otherwise, it will go on an indefinite strike after the Eid-ul- Fitr, according to a decision taken at a meeting of the CUTA executive committee on Monday.

The date for strike and other agitation programmes will be taken at a general meeting of CUTA after the Eid, meeting sources said.

The meeting rejected the provision and resolved that it would curb autonomy of public universities.

The University Grants Commission (UGC), acting on orders from the education ministry, recently issued a circular that appointment of teachers and officials at public universities would be made after approval by education and finance ministries and the Prime Minister's office.

A senior teacher belonging to BNP-Jamaat backed White Panel said the decision is illogical.

It is against autonomy of public universities, granted by the state, he said seeking anonymity.

CUTA President ANM Munir Ahmed talking to the correspondent said that Monday's meeting unanimously rejected the new provision and demanded its withdrawal. When contacted, CUTA General Secretary Helal Uddin Nizami said a strong movement will be launched after the Eid for withdrawal of the decision.

"Under the University Act of 1973, only the Syndicate and the Senate of a university can take decision on any appointment. The government is trying to close down public universities like the Adamji Jute Mill by creating anarchy on campuses".

Teachers will not allow implementation of such an "evil motive to destroy public universities", he said.

He also demanded resignation of the UGC chairman.

CU Vice Chancellor Prof AJM Nuruddin Chowdhury told The Daily Star that the new provision will delay the process ofappointment.Ê

The CUTA observed a two-hour strike last month protesting UGC's proposal for a uniform criteria for appointment and promotion of teachers and employees in all public universities.