Universities launch probes into teachers accused of pro-AL activities

Authorities of at least four public universities have formed probe bodies over the last couple of days to investigate into the allegations against some teachers over their involvement in anti-state activities and attempts to facilitate the return of ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina.

The measures were taken following recent media reports alleging that 404 teachers from 22 universities across the country were involved in covert activities in support of the Awami League, whose activities remain banned.

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The authorities of Patuakhali Science and Technology University (PSTU) have formed a five-member committee to investigate into the allegations against some of its teachers.

The probe body headed by the university’s Pro-Vice Chancellor Prof ABM Saiful Islam has been asked to submit its report within seven working days.

The information was disclosed through an office order issued by the university's Registrar's Office.

Chittagong University (CU) has formed a three-member fact-finding committee to identify teachers allegedly involved in activities against the state and public order.

The decision was announced in a notice signed by Deputy Registrar Khandaker Moazzem Hossain.

The committee, headed by Prof Md Shahadat Hossain, dean of the Faculty of Marine Sciences and Fisheries, has been directed to submit its report within seven working days.

Jagannath University (JnU) authorities have formed a four-member probe committee to investigate allegations against 68 teachers accused of engaging in anti-state activities.

The decision was confirmed through an office order issued by the university's Registrar's Office.

The committee, headed by Prof Nasir Ahmad of the Department of History, has been asked to submit its report by August 13, according to the office order.

In Kushtia, the authorities of Islamic University have formed a five-member committee to investigate allegations of anti-state activities against 44 teachers.

The committee, headed by Pro-Vice Chancellor Prof Md Amtaz Hossain, has been asked to submit its report by August 12, according to an office order signed by Registrar (In-charge) Prof Manjurul Haque.

Dhaka University (DU) authorities in a statement yesterday urged all of its teachers, students, officers and staff to refrain from engaging any such anti-state activities.

It also warned of taking stern action, if anyone involves with such activities.

On July 28, DU syndicate suspended three teachers, including Prof Sadeka Halim of the Department of Sociology, over separate allegations, and relieved four others of their academic and administrative responsibilities.

The university said the action was taken over allegations of activities contrary to the spirit of the July Uprising, spreading propaganda against the university administration and the government, supporting an organisation whose activities are banned, and issuing threats.

Our correspondents from Patuakhali, DU, CU, JnU, and Kushtia contributed to this report.