Khulna University has suspended Bengali Department professor Rubel Ansar for two years following allegations of sexual harassment brought by female students.
The decision was disclosed on Sunday in a letter issued by the university acting registrar Professor S M Mahbubur Rahman.
According to university sources, a female student in August last year accused Professor Rubel Ansar of indecent behaviour, sexual harassment, and proposing an unethical relationship.
Soon after, another female student from a different department lodged a similar complaint.
The university formed a seven-member committee to investigate the allegations.
On 26 December, the university Sexual Harassment Prevention Centre submitted two separate investigation reports to the committee.
Both reports were placed before and approved at the university 234th syndicate meeting on December 28.
Acting registrar Professor S M Mahbubur Rahman said the syndicate, based on the committee’s recommendations, cleared Professor Rubel Ansar of one allegation.
However, in connection with the second allegation, the syndicate decided to suspend him from all teaching, examination, and administrative duties in the Bengali Department for two years.
He said that although Professor Rubel Ansar will not be allowed to take classes or examinations during the suspension period, he will continue to receive salary and other benefits.
Contacted for comment, Professor Rubel Ansar said he had received the university letter and would respond later.
