The Dhaka University (DU) Syndicate has suspended three teachers following allegations of “controversial activities” and “threatening” students during the July uprising.
The decisions were reached during a meeting of Syndicate, the university’s highest decision-making body, held on Monday night with Vice-Chancellor Professor ABM Obaidul Islam in the chair.
The suspended faculty members are Professor Nazmul Ahsan Kalimullah of Public Administration department, Professor AKM Jamal Uddin of Sociology department, and Professor Shibli Rubayat Ul Islam of Banking and Insurance department.
In addition to these suspensions, Professor Mohammad Azmal Hossain Bhuiyan of Botany department has been temporarily exempted from academic activities.
Another teacher, who gained attention for singing on social media, was also relieved of academic duties after complaints were lodged regarding activities that allegedly tarnished the university’s image. The university administration has further suspended official Muhammad Lavlu Molla (also known as Lavlu Molla Shishir) on similar grounds.
The Syndicate has approved a recommendation from an investigation committee to dismiss Professor Ershad Halim of Chemistry department. The committee found “truth” in the allegations of sexual harassment against male students levelled against him.
Pro-Vice Chancellor (Administration) Mohammed Almujaddade Alfasane confirmed that the investigation report, which recommends permanent expulsion, has been forwarded to a tribunal for a final decision.
Professor Halim was previously arrested by police from his Shewrapara residence on 13 November last year and was subsequently suspended by the administration after the initial allegations were found to be credible.
The university has also moved to address the status of former Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) general secretary Golam Rabbani. The pro-vice chancellor said a decision to cancel Rabbani’s DUCSU post – on the grounds that he no longer holds studentship – has been sent to the legal advisor.
This follows a recommendation by the Academic Council in November last year to cancel Rabbani’s MPhil programme admission, citing that it was not processed through the proper channels. The Council had simultaneously recommended declaring his 2019 election as general secretary illegal.
