DU teacher faces fresh plagiarism probe

A new investigation committee has been formed to re-examine plagiarism allegations against Dhaka University (DU) Institute of Business Administration (IBA) Professor Dr Md Ridwanul Haque, despite the same charges having been settled in his favour eight years ago.

DU Vice-Chancellor (VC) Prof Dr A B M Obaidul Islam constituted a five-member committee on Tuesday and instructed it to submit its report within 30 working days. The panel includes the deans of the Law and Science faculties, the university proctor, the principal of Dhaka Medical College, and a nominee of Prof Ridwanul.

The controversy dates back to 2018, when two research papers submitted by Dr Ridwanul as part of his application for promotion to professor were found to contain nearly identical content. At the time, a fact-finding committee led by then Pro-VC (Academic) Prof Dr Nasrin Ahmed investigated the matter over four to five months and ultimately declared him completely innocent. His promotion, which had been temporarily suspended, was subsequently approved, and the issue was formally closed.

But, last year, the BNP-backed teachers’ organisation Sada Dal submitted a memorandum to the university administration, raising fresh allegations against Dr Ridwanul. The previous administration sought the opinion of the Dean of the Faculty of Business Studies, who considered the allegations serious and recommended either a fresh investigation or referral to the Syndicate. Following advice from the university’s legal adviser, the current administration proceeded with the formation of a new committee.