The University of Dhaka (DU) in Bangladesh has temporarily suspended four teachers and three officials from their positions following separate allegations of controversial activities, a decision that has drawn sharp criticism from a progressive educators' group.
Details of the Suspensions
The temporary suspension order was issued on Monday during a meeting of the Dhaka University Syndicate, chaired by Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. ABM Obaidul Islam, according to a university statement released on Tuesday. The statement did not elaborate on the specific reasons behind the disciplinary action. During the suspension period, the affected individuals will receive a subsistence allowance as per university rules.
The suspended teachers are: Professor Nazmul Ahsan Kalimullah (Department of Public Administration), Professor AKM Jamal Uddin (Department of Sociology), Professor Shibli Rubayat-Ul-Islam (Department of Banking and Insurance), and Professor Tashrik-e-Habib (Department of Bengali). The suspended officials include Bahalul Haq Chowdhury (Controller of Examinations), Lovelu Molla (Deputy Registrar, Personal Section of the Registrar's Office), and Mosammat Sharmin Jahan (Assistant Registrar, Administration-1 Section of the Registrar's Office, currently posted at the Institute of Leather Engineering and Technology).
Progressive Teachers' Group Condemns Move
The Bangladesh Public University Progressive Teachers' Society expressed deep concern and anger over the decision, alleging that the suspensions were based on political differences and ideological intolerance. In a statement, the group said, "We believe that this decision is an assault on free thought, the right to freedom of expression, and the professional dignity of teachers in higher education institutions."
The group argued that the university is a place for free intellect, logic, knowledge cultivation, and coexistence of diverse opinions. "Taking such disciplinary action against teachers without conducting a proper investigation, following a transparent process, and adhering to the University Order of 1973 and its regulations is contrary to the long-standing democratic and institutional traditions of the university," the statement added.
Impact on Academic Environment
The progressive group warned that such measures would create a culture of fear among teachers and severely damage the higher education environment. They noted that punishing hundreds of wise, knowledgeable, and eminent teachers not only targets the teaching community but also deprives millions of students of their right to education. "If the 'freedom of thought and conscience, and of speech' guaranteed by the Constitution is destroyed, it can be said with certainty that it will not take long for the country to be ruined," the statement cautioned.
Demand for Withdrawal
The Bangladesh Public University Progressive Teachers' Society strongly protested the decision as unjust and unethical. They demanded the immediate withdrawal of the suspension orders against the four teachers, as well as the revocation of expulsion, boycott, academic punishments, and temporary suspension orders consistently imposed on teachers over the past two years during the tenure of the government led by Muhammad Yunus.
"We also strongly urge that fair treatment be ensured for everyone within the education family. Protecting the dignity and autonomy of universities and the rights of teachers is a constitutional responsibility of the state," the statement concluded.
