The authorities of Islamic University have permanently expelled a teacher, Hafizul Islam, for misconduct after several allegations, including sexual harassment, homosexual misconduct, and abuse of students, were found to be true.
Hafizul, an assistant professor in the development studies department, was dismissed under Section 4(1)(F) of the Islamic University Employee Efficiency and Discipline Regulations.
The decision was taken at the university鈥檚 268th syndicate meeting on May 31, confirmed a press release issued on Monday by IU acting registrar Professor M Manjurul Haque.
According to the release, the dismissal followed multiple student complaints that led to the formation of an investigation committee. The initial findings prompted the 266th syndicate meeting on December 22 to impose lighter penalties 鈥� cancellation of one annual salary increment and a mandatory one-year leave in accordance with Sections 4(i) (b) and 5 of the same regulations.
However, following strong protests by students who deemed the punishment too lenient, the university reopened the case. A fresh investigation found that Hafizul had severely violated university discipline, leading to his permanent dismissal effective May from 31.
IU acting registrar Manjurul Haque confirmed that vice-chancellor Professor Nakib Muhammad Nasrullah issued the expulsion order.
Borhan Uddin, president of the Development Studies Club and a student of the 2017鈥�18 session, welcomed the decision.
鈥業nitially, the administration offered only a token response. But we stood firm, and now students are finally protected from ongoing abuse,鈥� he said.
He also urged the administration to investigate other alleged offenders still on campus.
The controversy dates back to October 7 last year, when students protested at the university gates with a 27-point list of allegations against Hafizul. These included sexual harassment, homosexual conducts, inappropriate remarks, mental and physical abuse, labelling bearded students as extremists, intentionally failing students, and forcing participation in political rallies.
During the protests, students also symbolically beat and burned his effigy, continuing their demonstrations until the university met their demand for permanent dismissal.
