KU teacher dismissed over sexual harassment

KHULNA, Aug 2: Khulna University (KU) Authorities have dismissed an Agrotechnology Discipline professor over allegations of sexual harassment, and formed a five-member committee to probe similar allegations against another faculty member at the university’s 237th Syndicate meeting on Thursday, Acting Registrar Prof Dr SM Mahbubur Rahman confirmed it on Friday morning.

According to the registrar, Prof Md Rezaul Islam of the Agrotechnology Discipline was dismissed after the Syndicate reviewed the probe report submitted by the KU’s Sexual Harassment Prevention Centre. 

The Syndicate also formed the committee to investigate allegations against Prof Dr Md Rubel Ansar of the Bangla Discipline, based on the findings of the Sexual Harassment Prevention Centre. 

The committee has been asked to submit its report within 30 working days. The registrar clarified that the committee is an independent administrative investigation body and not part of the Sexual Harassment Prevention Centre.

The decisions follow a student movement demanding justice over allegations of sexual harassment against the two teachers and the alleged secret filming of female students inside the washrooms of Bijoy ‘24 Hall by a hall canteen worker.

The students demanded the maximum punishment for canteen worker Imam Hasan, accountability for the hall provost body for alleged negligence, the permanent dismissal of both accused teachers, and cancellation of the registration of the “Spandan-24” club.

Prof Rezaul Islam had been relieved of his duties as head of the Agrotechnology Discipline on June 18 after a female student accused him of sending obscene messages and making indecent proposals through Facebook Messenger.