RU suspends associate professor over harassment allegations

Rajshahi University (RU) has suspended an associate professor following allegations of sexual harassment and abuse brought by a female student.

The accused is Associate Professor Dr Md Dulal Ali Mollah of the Department of Agronomy and Agricultural Extension.

The decision was taken at the university’s 546th syndicate meeting held on Monday night, according to a press release issued yesterday by the university’s Public Relations Office.

The release, undersigned by Prof Md Akhter Hossain Mazumder, administrator of the Public Relations Office, said the syndicate took the decision considering the seriousness of the allegations.

An office order signed by acting registrar Prof Iftikharul Islam Masud stated that the university has decided to investigate the complaint lodged by the student, which includes allegations of sexual harassment as well as physical and mental abuse.

“In the interest of a fair and neutral investigation, Dr Md Dulal Ali Mollah has been suspended from all academic and administrative responsibilities until the investigation report is submitted and a final decision is taken,” the order said.

The university authorities, however, did not specify any timeframe for completing the investigation.