Teachers of Dhaka University’s Bangla department expressed unwillingness to work with Chowdhury Md Tashrik‑e‑Habib, who went viral on social media for singing.
Based on the recommendation of the department’s academic committee, the DU administration has temporarily relieved him of academic duties.
The decision was taken Monday night at a syndicate meeting. Social media discussions later suggested the move followed his viral singing, but the university authorities said the reasons were financial irregularities, non‑academic activities, and allegations of taking money from students.
Acting Dean of the Faculty of Arts Prof Abul Kalam Sarkar told Times of Bangladesh that the academic committee unanimously opposed Tashrik‑e‑Habib and informed the vice‑chancellor. Teachers said they were unwilling to work with him, leading to the syndicate’s decision.
Prof Sarkar added that allegations of taking money from MPhil and PhD students had surfaced, with preliminary evidence found.
On 13 May, the academic committee had issued a show‑cause notice over financial irregularities and non‑academic activities. His written reply was deemed unsatisfactory.
A teacher wishing not to be named said students feared losing marks if they did not buy his books or journals, and some of his social media posts and videos also caused discontent.
Bangla department chair Prof Sirajul Islam said the administration acted on the department’s recommendation. An investigation is underway by a committee formed by the DU.
The committee has been directed to submit its report quickly.
Prof Sarkar dismissed claims that the action was due to his singing, saying the main issue was taking money from postgraduate students, which has been reflected in the investigation.
