Bangladesh Medical University (BMU) has cancelled the lifetime appointment of Prof ABM Abdullah as emeritus professor and directed him to return all salaries and allowances received during his tenure.
The decision was conveyed in an office order signed by BMU Registrar Professor Md Mostafa Kamal. Dr Abdullah confirmed that he had received the letter.
According to the order, the university authorities found the appointment process to be “irregular” and “unacceptable”. It said the “Emeritus Professor Appointment Ordinance” was amended during the 92nd Budget Session of the University Syndicate on 20 June 2024 following a proposal raised by a syndicate member that was not included in the meeting’s official agenda.
The order stated that Abdullah was appointed Emeritus Professor for life immediately after the ordinance was amended during the same syndicate session.
The university has now concluded that the appointment did not comply with established rules and has therefore cancelled it. It has also instructed Abdullah to repay all salaries and financial benefits he received from the date of the 92nd Syndicate meeting to the university treasury.
Professor ABM Abdullah is a noted physician and formerly served as the personal physician to ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
Reacting to the decision, Abdullah said the university administration had acted “unjustly” towards him.
“After providing medical services for nearly 50 years, I did not expect such a decision at this stage of my life,” he said, adding that he was unaware of the specific reasons behind the university’s move.
