DUTA Demands Revocation of Disciplinary Actions Against 10 Teachers

The Dhaka University Teachers' Association (DUTA) has demanded the immediate revocation of disciplinary penalties recently imposed by the university Syndicate on 10 faculty members. The association also called on the administration to restore a stable, merit-based academic environment and guarantee campus security.

In a protest statement issued on Thursday (July 30), signed by DUTA President Prof. Dr. Md. Nizamul Hoque Bhuiyan and General Secretary Prof. Dr. Zeenat Huda, the association expressed strong opposition to the Syndicate's decisions to recommend permanent expulsion for one professor and relieve six others from academic and administrative duties.

Violation of the 1973 DU Order

DUTA emphasized that Dhaka University is an autonomous institution governed strictly by the 'Dhaka University Order, 1973', rather than executive state directives. Under the statute, the university administration lacks the authority to penalize any teacher or employee before charges are fully substantiated through a fact-finding committee and formal tribunal proceedings.

Referring to the recent disciplinary actions—including the temporary suspension of three teachers in a June 22 Syndicate meeting and seven others on July 28—DUTA asserted that none of the affected 10 faculty members were granted the opportunity to defend themselves, present statements, or cross-examine complainants. DUTA categorized this omission as a direct violation of university laws, long-standing academic tradition, and fundamental human rights.

Concerns Over Political Suppression

The teachers' association criticized the administration for allegedly fostering a "mob culture" that has led to the academic and administrative exclusion of 70 to 80 faculty members through political labeling, describing the environment as mental and economic harassment.

"Political transitions are a natural democratic process," the statement read. "However, resorting to the suppression of dissenting voices and restricting freedom of expression following a political shift creates a culture of panic and insecurity among academics, setting an ominous precedent for the future."

Background of Syndicate Actions

The DUTA statement follows the July 28 Syndicate meeting chaired by Vice-Chancellor Prof. A B M Obaidul Islam, where former Jagannath University VC Prof. Sadeka Halim (Sociology Department), Prof. Md. Shafiqul Islam (Nuclear Engineering Department), and Prof. Afroza Shelly (Nuclear Engineering Department) were temporarily suspended on various grounds, including alleged unprofessional conduct.

In the same meeting, Prof. Md. Abdul Muhit (Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacology) was relieved of his chairmanship and academic responsibilities, while Prof. Abu Sara Shamsur Rauf (Pharmaceutical Technology) and Prof. Md. Rafiqul Islam / Rafiq Shahriar (Peace and Conflict Studies) were relieved of academic and administrative duties for anti-uprising activities.

The Syndicate also constituted a high-level review panel, headed by Pro-VC (Academic) Prof. Abdus Salam, to audit all university recruitments conducted over the past 15 years, spanning January 1, 2009, to June 30, 2024.