The suspension and relief from duties of six Dhaka University professors, without citing any specific allegations or allowing them the opportunity to defend themselves, has drawn sharp criticism from legal experts and the teachers’ association.
Critics claim the university administration acted without conducting standard investigations required under the Dhaka University Order 1973, describing the measures as politically motivated.
According to a statement released last Wednesday by the university’s Public Relations Office, Sociology Professor Sadeka Halim, Nuclear Engineering Professor Md Shafiqul Islam, and Professor Afroza Shelley have all been suspended.
Additionally, Professor Md Abdul Muhit of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacology, Professor Abu Sara Shamsur Rouf of Pharmaceutical Technology, and Professor Md Rafiqul Islam of Peace and Conflict Studies have been barred from all academic and administrative roles.
Specific charges were made public in only one instance: Professor Mohammad Bahauddin of Persian Language and Literature, who faces plagiarism allegations regarding MPhil and PhD theses.
These actions follow a 22 June meeting of the university’s top executive body, the syndicate, where three teachers were suspended and several others stripped of their duties.
The Dhaka University Order 1973 explicitly stipulates that staff may only be dismissed on grounds of inefficiency or moral turpitude, and strictly after an inquiry committee completes a formal investigation. Crucially, the accused retain the right to present their defense before the committee via a representative of their choice.
Accused academics say no such process took place.
Professor Md Abdul Muhit told TIMES of Bangladesh that the inquiry committee never contacted him, adding that he only discovered the situation through press releases and media reports and remains in the dark about the specific charges against him.
Another suspended academic, speaking anonymously out of fear of further reprisals, confirmed that the administration made its decision without consulting him.
Zeenat Huda, General Secretary of the Dhaka University Teachers’ Association and a sociology professor, told TIMES that dozens of faculty members have been effectively sidelined since August-September 2024 without ever being confronted by their accusers.
Zeenat highlighted that between 70 and 80 teachers have been locked out of their academic duties for months, questioning whether the practice of “barring” staff from work has any legal backing under the 1973 Order at all.
What does the law say?
Senior Supreme Court lawyer Syed Mamun Mahbub told TIMES that the university’s actions breach fundamental legal principles.
Before taking disciplinary action, he explained, an inquiry committee is legally required to contact the accused and grant them the opportunity to defend themselves.
Proceeding without first issuing a formal show-cause notice, he added, is unlawful and leaves the decisions open to legal challenge.
Mahbub also questioned whether an individual’s political stance or opposition to the July Mass Uprising could legally justify dismissal.
“Political support or opposition is not a crime in itself,” he said, describing the university’s measures as an act of political retaliation. “Historically, such retaliatory tactics have brought nothing but damaging consequences for both the university and the country.”
Several faculty members echoed these concerns, maintaining that regardless of how controversial a person’s political views might be, political affiliation alone cannot serve as legitimate grounds for suspension or dismissal.
How it happened
The crackdown followed complaints submitted to the Vice-Chancellor by the BNP-backed White Panel and the Jamaat-backed University Teachers Link (UTL), targeting more than 100 faculty members affiliated with the Awami League-aligned Blue Panel.
The groups claimed that during July and August 2024, these academics actively opposed the student-led uprising through press conferences, human chains, and public demonstrations in support of the ousted regime.
In response, the university’s syndicate formed a four-member committee to review all faculty appointments made between 1 January 2009 and 30 June 2024.
The administration also confirmed that the panel would investigate a list of 125 teachers submitted by the “Anti-Fascist Teachers” platform.
Vice-Chancellor ABM Obaidul Islam warned that if an accused teacher belonged to a faculty association, the activities of that entire organisation could be suspended if deemed necessary.
The university administration maintained that its actions were driven by complaints from students, formal allegations, and initial findings from fact-finding committees.
When approached for comment, Professor Sadeka Halim declined to speak, saying she would wait for the tribunal’s final verdict. Several other named academics also refused to comment.
Asked about the lack of due process, Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Administration) Mohammed Almujaddade Alfasane said, “Action was taken against those concerned for the reasons mentioned in the statement issued by the Dhaka University Public Relations Office.”
Asked why the accused academics were denied the opportunity to defend themselves, he maintained that proper protocol had been followed, “If the fact-finding committee uncovers evidence confirming an individual’s involvement, a show-cause notice is issued. Where allegations are substantiated, temporary suspensions are applied as necessary.”
Addressing those barred from academic duties, he added, “Once an allegation is established, the teacher is relieved of their duties and an investigation committee is formed. It is at this stage that they will be allowed to present a defence alongside a representative.”
Dismissing criticism from the University Teachers’ Association, Alfasane was blunt, “Since 5 August, this university no longer recognises associations of this kind. The administration is simply not interested in any statements they issue.”
