RU Professor’s Alleged ‘Insult’ to Teacher Deemed ‘Baseless’ by Administration

Rajshahi University (RU) administration, including Acting Registrar Professor Iftikharul Alam Masud, Proctor Professor Md. Mahbubur Rahman, and Public Relations Officer Professor Md. Akhtar Hossain Majumdar, has dismissed allegations of ‘teacher insult’ leveled against Sociology Department Professor Md. Aminul Islam as “completely baseless.”

They claimed the accusation was “premeditated to embroil the administration in controversy.” However, the complainant professor insists he was indeed insulted.

CCTV footage and eyewitness accounts reveal that the incident occurred after the submission of a preliminary report on the investigation into the tragic and untimely death of Sociology Department student Mocha. Sayma Hossain. The report was presented at the Senate Building around 2:00pm on October 30.

Post-presentation, administrative officials and teachers were exiting the Senate Building. Acting Registrar, Proctor, Public Relations Administrator, and several others, including Professor Aminul Islam, left via the northwest gate.

Eyewitnesses said that after leaving the building, Professor Aminul Islam and the Public Relations Administrator were chatting amicably. Several other teachers joined the conversation. At one point, Professor Aminul, somewhat agitated about the investigation, gestured animatedly and raised his voice toward the Proctor.

The incident prompted Sociology Department students to protest at the administration building, alleging teacher insult. Other departments’ students joined. Video footage shows only a verbal altercation; no physical assault.

Proctor Professor Md. Mahbubur Rahman said, “During the conversation, Professor Aminul Islam approached me several times. The Public Relations Administrator calmed him by placing a hand on his shoulder and walking him a short distance along Paris Road. Professor Aminul then returned to his department, and the matter ended there.”

He added, “No one laid hands on anyone throughout; no physical assault or insult occurred. Arguments and debates among teachers are natural.”

Public Relations Administrator Professor Dr. Akhtar Hossain Majumdar said, “Professor Aminul and I left together chatting. The Proctor and Registrar joined. A debate ensued about Sayma’s investigation. I escorted Professor Aminul a bit forward, ending the matter. But it escalated into a teacher insult claim. Such debates among teachers are common, but framing it as insult is unjust.”

Acting Registrar Professor Dr. Iftikharul Alam Masud called the allegation “utterly false,” saying, “Some individuals are misrepresenting the incident to create unrest on campus and defame several teachers, including myself, with statements and slogans. It’s deeply regrettable. I urge everyone to seek the truth before commenting.”

Professor Md. Aminul Islam said, “ ‘Insult’ is a broad term with wide scope. I didn’t say anything during the Senate meeting. But outside, they spoke to me harshly. When the Proctor, Registrar, and others charged at me, had bystanders not intervened, they would have hit me. Isn’t that insult? Is physical assault the only insult?”