University of Chittagong (CU) has temporarily suspended eight individuals, including a faculty member, on allegations of disciplinary violations and corruption.
The decision was made during the university’s 559th syndicate meeting held last Friday. Although the university was on vacation and the matter remained confidential for a few days, Acting Registrar Professor Mohammad Saiful Islam confirmed the suspensions to the media on Tuesday (5 August) afternoon.
The suspended teacher is Assistant Professor Saiful Islam Sarkar from the Department of Oceanography. He is also a member of the ruling Awami League’s Central Committee on Agriculture and Cooperatives. Multiple allegations, including misconduct and taking a stance against student protesters during the recent movement, were brought against him.
A probe committee was formed to investigate the allegations, and following the submission of its report, the syndicate decided to suspend him. A second investigation committee has now been formed to further examine the charges.
Among the other suspended individuals is Deputy Registrar and Chief of Security Golam Kibria, who is accused of accepting a large bribe in exchange for promising work to a contractor. A preliminary investigation reportedly confirmed the allegations. The syndicate has also formed a separate committee to recommend final disciplinary actions against him.
The other suspended employees include Tanvir Ahmed, a lower division assistant in the Accounting Department; Sayan Dasgupta, a lower division assistant in the Department of Sports Science; Parvez Hasan, a lower division assistant in the Teachers’ Personal Records Section; Mahfuzur Rahman, an upper division assistant in the Office of the Comptroller; Uzzal Hawlader and Abdul Mannan, staff members of the Central Store.
Several of these individuals are accused of locking the registrar building, confining the registrar, and creating panic in the office.
Commenting on the suspensions, Acting Registrar Saiful Islam said, “Last year, those who were involved in disorderly conduct and misbehaviour at the registrar’s office were investigated. Based on the investigation report, the syndicate decided to suspend them temporarily.”
Regarding Assistant Professor Saiful Islam Sarkar, the acting registrar added, “There are multiple allegations against him. Based on the investigation report, he has been suspended temporarily, and another committee is now reviewing the findings for further action. As for Golam Kibria, the initial findings have already proven the allegations, and a committee has been formed to recommend final punishment.”
Efforts to reach Saiful Islam Sarkar by phone were unsuccessful, as he did not respond to repeated calls.
A senior university official said, “The suspension letters have not been issued yet, but they are expected to be delivered to the individuals concerned by Sunday. The letters will detail the reasons for suspension, findings of the investigation, and next steps.”