The permanent dismissal of Dhaka University (DU) professor Sadeka Halim has been recommended on various allegations, including taking a stance against students during the July mass uprising. Six professors have at the same time been relieved of all academic and administrative activities.
The matter came to light on Thursday (30 July). The decision had been taken at a syndicate meeting held on the night of 28 July.
The pro-vice-chancellor (administration) of DU, Professor Dr Mohammad Almojaddedi Alfesani, confirmed the matter.
According to meeting sources, the syndicate decided to send to the university tribunal the earlier inquiry committee’s recommendation for the permanent dismissal of Professor Dr Sadeka Halim. She had been investigated on various allegations, including her role against students during the July mass uprising. The final decision will be taken by the Dhaka University tribunal.
Professor Dr Sadeka Halim is a professor in the sociology department of Dhaka University. She was elected a member of the advisory council of the Bangladesh Awami League in 2022. She previously served as vice-chancellor of Jagannath University (JnU).
The syndicate meeting decided to relieve six professors of academic and administrative activities. It also took several other important decisions, including forming an inquiry committee on banning the Nil Dal.
The six relieved are Professor Md Abdul Muhit of the clinical pharmacy and pharmacology department; Professor Abu Sara Shamsur Rauf of the pharmaceutical technology department; Professor Dr Mohammad Bahauddin of the Persian language and literature department; Professor Dr Rafiq Shahriar of the peace and conflict studies department; Professor Afroza Sheli of the nuclear engineering department; and Professor Dr Md Shafiqul Islam.
They will refrain from administrative duties and from taking classes until the investigation is completed.
Sadeka Halim, who faces dismissal, and the six teachers relieved of duty are connected with the politics of the pro-Awami League Nil Dal.
Sadeka Halim told reporters she would not speak to the media on the matter until a final decision came. The six teachers relieved of duty also declined to comment.
A syndicate member of the university, Professor Dr Tajmeri SA Islam, said action had been taken initially against the teachers concerned on allegations of making derogatory remarks about July and taking an anti-July stance. They had been relieved of all academic and administrative duties.
She said investigations were under way against many more teachers on such allegations. If the allegations were found to be true after investigation, the same kind of action would be taken against them too. The committees would finish their work quickly.
বাংলায় মূল প্রতিবেদন পড়ুন · Read the original Bengali report