DU Suspends 6 Teachers, Seeks Sadeka Halim’s Removal

The University of Dhaka (DU) has relieved six teachers of all academic and administrative responsibilities and recommended the permanent dismissal of Professor Dr Sadeka Halim over allegations of taking a stance against students during the July Mass Uprising and other charges.

The decisions were taken at a Syndicate meeting held on the night of July 28 and became known on Thursday (July 30). Two Syndicate members and DU Pro-Vice Chancellor (Administration) Professor Dr Mohammad Almojadeddie Alfechani confirmed the decisions.

According to sources at the meeting, the recommendation for the permanent dismissal of Dr Sadeka Halim, a professor of the Department of Sociology, has been sent to the university tribunal for final review. The tribunal will make the final decision.

Sadeka Halim was elected a member of the Bangladesh Awami League's advisory council in 2022 and previously served as Vice-Chancellor of Jagannath University.

The Syndicate also decided to temporarily suspend six professors from all academic and administrative activities pending investigations into allegations against them.

The six teachers are Professor Md Abdul Muhit of the Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacology, Professor Abu Sara Shamsur Rouf of the Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Professor Dr Mohammad Bahauddin of the Department of Persian Language and Literature, Professor Dr Rafique Shahriar of the Department of Peace and Conflict Studies, and Professors Afroza Shelly and Dr Md Shafiqul Islam of the Department of Nuclear Engineering.

The suspended teachers will not be allowed to conduct classes, perform administrative duties or participate in academic activities until the investigations are completed.

The Syndicate also decided to form a committee to examine a proposal to ban the university's pro-Awami League-backed Blue Panel, along with several other issues.

Contacted for comment, Sadeka Halim said she would not speak to the media until the tribunal reaches a final decision. The six suspended teachers also declined to comment.

Syndicate member Professor Dr Tajmeri S A Islam said the teachers had been relieved of their academic and administrative roles as a preliminary measure following allegations that they made derogatory remarks about the July Mass Uprising and took positions against it.

She said investigations into several other teachers over similar allegations are ongoing and that necessary action would be taken if the allegations are proven.

The investigation committees have been instructed to complete their work as quickly as possible.