DUTA demands withdrawal of disciplinary action against 10 DU teachers

Dhaka University Teachers' Association (DUTA) has demanded the withdrawal of disciplinary measures against 10 teachers, alleging the university syndicate violated the Dhaka University Order, 1973, and due process.

The association also urged the university administration to restore a disciplined, merit-based academic environment and ensure a safe campus.

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In a statement signed by DUTA President Prof Dr Mohammad Nizamul Hoque Bhuiyan and General Secretary Prof Dr Zeenat Huda yesterday, the association protested the syndicate's recent decisions to permanently dismiss one teacher and relieve six others of their academic and administrative responsibilities.

DUTA said Dhaka University is an autonomous institution governed by the Dhaka University Order, 1973, under which no teacher, officer or employee can be punished before allegations are established through an inquiry committee and a tribunal.

It noted that three other teachers had been suspended at the June 22 syndicate meeting and alleged none was allowed to defend themselves before an inquiry committee, investigation committee or tribunal, present their statements or cross-examine complainants.

Calling the process a violation of the Dhaka University Order, 1973, the university's traditions, human rights and the principle of equal treatment, DUTA said the disciplinary actions lacked due process.

The association also alleged that the previous administration, disregarding university laws, barred 70 to 80 teachers from academic and administrative duties under "mob pressure" and subjected them to social stigmatisation, amounting to psychological and economic persecution.

It further alleged that the previous administration rendered the elected Senate, Syndicate and Teachers' Association ineffective, enabling unlawful decisions. It also criticised the current administration for imposing "double punishment" on a teacher already penalised two years ago.

It demanded the withdrawal of the disciplinary measures to protect the university's autonomy and ensure coexistence regardless of political affiliation, gender or religion.

On July 28, the DU syndicate temporarily suspended three teachers, including Prof Sadeka Halim of the Department of Sociology, over separate allegations and relieved four others of their academic and administrative responsibilities.

The decisions were taken at a syndicate meeting chaired by Vice-Chancellor Prof ABM Obaidul Islam.

According to a university press release issued yesterday, Prof Sadeka Halim, a former vice-chancellor of Jagannath University, was suspended over allegations including "conduct unbecoming of a teacher" in and outside the classroom and "offences involving moral turpitude".

The syndicate also suspended Prof Md Shafiqul Islam and Prof Afroza Shelly of the Department of Nuclear Engineering based on complaints from students and the findings of a fact-finding committee.

Prof Md Abdul Muhit of the Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacology was removed as department chairman and relieved of all academic and administrative duties over allegations of acting against the spirit of the July Mass Uprising, spreading propaganda against the university administration and the government, and supporting a banned organisation.

On the same allegations, Prof Abu Sara Shamsur Rouf of the Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Prof Md Rafiqul Islam (Rafiq Shahriar) of the Department of Peace and Conflict Studies were also relieved of all academic and administrative responsibilities.

The syndicate also formed a committee, headed by Pro-Vice Chancellor (Education) Prof Abdus Salam, to review alleged irregularities in faculty recruitment between January 1, 2009, and June 2024, and examine the transparency of the recruitment process.