An Islamic University in Kushtia teacher has been temporarily suspended after 22 female students lodged a joint complaint, accusing him of repeated sexual harassment.
The accused, Azizul Islam, is an associate professor of biotechnology and genetic engineering department of the university.
A press release, signed by university acting registrar Professor Dr M Manjurul Haque, said that the temporary suspension was ordered on Saturday.
According to the press release, Azizul Islam had engaged in inappropriate behaviour and made illicit proposals to the victims for over several academic years. He made sexually suggestive remarks, left obscene messages and even made a video call to one of them via Imo, threatening to give poor marks if she did not respond.
The disconcerted students eventually lodged the complaint with the department head, Professor Dr AKM Nazmul Huda, shortly after the university reopened following the Eid-ul-Azha holiday.
Later, they also lodged a written complaint with the university administration seeking the teacher鈥檚 punishment.
According to the release, the allegations, after being reported in various national and local media outlets as well as on social media, have damaged the university鈥檚 image. In light of this, the university administration decided to suspend him temporarily, effective from July 5.
During the suspension period, he would be entitled to a subsistence allowance as per university regulations, the release said.
The university authorities have also formed a four-member body, led by its Al-Fiqh and legal studies professor Muhammad Nazimuddin, to investigate the incident.
Public administration department professor M Fakhrul Islam, Bangla department professor Arifa Akter and law department professor Maksuda Akter are the members of the probe body.
It has been asked to submit its report within 20 working days, the release adds.
University acting registrar M Manjurul Haque said that vice-chancellor Professor Nakib Mohammad Nasrullah issued the suspension order.
Further action would be taken after getting reports from the investigation committee, he added.
Earlier, the biotechnology and genetic engineering department, in a meeting, suspended Azizul Islam, barring him from all academic activities until further notice.
This incident follows a similar case earlier this year.
On May 31, the university鈥檚 268th syndicate meeting expelled Hafizul Islam, a development studies teacher, after multiple allegations, including sexual harassment, homosexual misconduct and student abuse, were found to be true.