DHAKA — Dhaka University has suspended four teachers, including three professors over allegations that they opposed the July uprising, in another round of disciplinary action involving academics over their political views and conduct during the movement.
The three professors — M. Wahiduzzaman Chan and Muhammad Mahbubur Rahman of the Institute of Education and Research, and Mashiur Rahman of the Department of Sociology — were suspended following recommendations from an investigation committee. The university has also formed tribunals against them.
The decision was taken Monday at a meeting of the university Syndicate, chaired by Vice Chancellor Professor ABM Obaidul Islam.
Professor Mohammad Almojaddeedi Alfechani, pro-vice chancellor for administration, confirmed the action.
The three teachers face proceedings over allegations that they opposed the July uprising. The teachers have rejected the allegations and questioned the university’s decision, describing the action as inconsistent with intellectual freedom and their actual conduct during the movement.
Professor Mashiur Rahman said the accusations against him were baseless and described the university’s action as contrary to the practice of free thought.
He said he had made no statements against students during the movement.
Professor Muhammad Mahbubur Rahman also rejected the implication that he had acted against the students.
“As a professor, I am disappointed by this decision of the university,” he said.
Mahbubur Rahman said he had supported students during the July movement and had even gone to a police station to help secure bail for one of his students. He also alleged that some of the accusations used against him dated back seven or eight years.
Professor Wahiduzzaman Chan did not respond to repeated attempts to obtain his comment.
In a separate case, Associate Professor Md. Ziaur Rahman, also known as Sayem Rana, of the Department of Music was suspended over allegations concerning the academic qualifications under which he was appointed.
Ziaur Rahman earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Islamic Studies and later completed an MPhil and PhD in music. The recruitment notice for his teaching position, however, required bachelor’s and master’s degrees in music.
The university has formed an investigation committee to examine his appointment.
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