Dhaka: Dhaka University (DU) has temporarily suspended three teachers and an officer following various allegations. Four additional faculty members have been relieved of all academic and administrative duties, a DU press release stated today. The decisions emerged from a meeting of the DU Syndicate, chaired by Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. A. B. M. Obaidul Islam.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Professor Dr. Sadeka Halim from the Department of Sociology was temporarily suspended due to charges including unprofessional conduct and moral turpitude. In addition, complaints from students and findings from a fact-finding committee led to the temporary suspension of Professor Dr. Md. Shafiqul Islam and Professor Dr. Afroza Shelly from the Department of Nuclear Engineering.
The Syndicate also relieved Professor Dr. Md. Abdul Muhit of the Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacology of his responsibilities as department chairman, barring him from all academic and administrative duties. This action was due to alleged activities opposing the spirit of the July Mass Uprising, anti-administration and anti-government propaganda, affiliations with a banned organization, and issuing threats.
On similar grounds, Professor Dr. Abu Shara Shamsur Rouf from the Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Professor Dr. Md. Rafiqul Islam (Rafiq Shahriar) from the Department of Peace and Conflict Studies were relieved of all their duties. Furthermore, Professor Dr. Mohammad Bahauddin from the Department of Persian Language and Literature was relieved of all responsibilities over departmental irregularities and allegations of plagiarism in M.Phil and Ph.D. theses.
The Syndicate has initiated procedural actions, forming a committee led by Pro-Vice Chancellor (Academic) Professor Dr. Abdus Salam, along with all faculty deans, to review recruitment irregularities and verify transparency at DU from January 1, 2009, to June 2024. A separate committee chaired by Pro-Vice Chancellor (Administration) Professor Dr. Mohammed Almujaddade Alfasane was constituted to inspect research activities funded by the World Bank and the University Grants Commission during the same period to ensure proper fund utilization.
The Syndicate has also decided to take action against individuals, groups, and organizations involved in activities opposing the July spirit, with specific measures to be announced after verification. Additionally, A.K.M. Mahbub Mustafa, Superintending Engineer (Civil) of the Chief Engineer's Office, was temporarily suspended for violating office discipline.
The meeting also finalized plans to honor the martyrs of the July Uprising by constructing a 'July Memorial' at the Mall Chattar adjacent to the Administrative Building, with its foundation stone set to be unveiled on August 5.