The Dhaka University Teachers' Association (DUTA) has called for the withdrawal of disciplinary measures imposed on 10 teachers, alleging that the actions violate the university's legal framework and fundamental principles of due process.
The association also urged the university administration to restore a disciplined, merit-based academic environment and ensure a safe and conducive atmosphere for teaching and research.
In a statement signed by DUTA President Prof Dr Mohammad Nizamul Hoque Bhuiyan and General Secretary Prof Dr Zeenat Huda on Thursday, the association strongly protested the syndicate's recent decisions to permanently dismiss one teacher and remove six others from their academic and administrative responsibilities.
According to the statement, Dhaka University is an autonomous institution governed by the Dhaka University Order, 1973, rather than directives issued by the state. Under the law, no teacher, officer or employee can be punished unless the allegations against them are established through due process involving an inquiry committee and a tribunal, it said.
DUTA noted that three other teachers had also been suspended at the syndicate meeting held on June 22. It alleged that none of the affected teachers had been given the opportunity to defend themselves before an inquiry committee, investigation committee or tribunal, nor were they allowed to present their statements or cross-examine those who made the allegations.
The association described the disciplinary process as a clear violation of the Dhaka University Order, 1973, the university's long-standing traditions, human rights and the principle of equal treatment.
It further alleged that the university's previous unelected administration had adopted a one-sided approach by creating "mob pressure" and, in disregard of university laws and regulations, barring around 70 to 80 teachers from academic and administrative activities while subjecting them to social stigmatisation through various labels.
According to DUTA, such actions amounted to psychological and economic persecution.
The association also claimed that the previous administration had rendered the elected Senate, Syndicate and Teachers' Association ineffective, paving the way for unlawful decisions. It criticised the current administration for imposing what it described as a second punishment on a teacher who had already been penalised two years ago, calling it a case of double jeopardy.
The statement said universities thrive on diversity of opinion, pluralism, independent research and freedom of expression, and warned that disciplinary action against senior academics solely because of political changes was almost unprecedented in the university's history, except during the 1971 Liberation War, when intellectuals were systematically targeted in an attempt to deprive the nation of its academic leadership.
While acknowledging that political change is a normal democratic process, DUTA said suppressing dissent, restricting freedom of expression and imposing punitive measures on teachers because of political developments had created fear and insecurity within the academic community and set a dangerous precedent for the future.
The association demanded that the disciplinary actions be withdrawn to safeguard the university's autonomy and ensure peaceful coexistence among teachers regardless of their political affiliation, gender or religion.
On July 28, the Dhaka University Syndicate temporarily suspended three teachers, including Prof Sadeka Halim of the Department of Sociology, over separate allegations. It also relieved four teachers of their academic and administrative responsibilities.
The decisions were taken at a syndicate meeting chaired by Vice-Chancellor Prof Niaz Ahmed Khan's successor, Prof ABM Obaidul Islam.
According to a university press release issued on Thursday, Professor Dr Sadeka Halim, a former vice-chancellor of Jagannath University, was suspended over allegations of unprofessional conduct inside and outside the classroom, ethical misconduct and other related issues.
The syndicate also temporarily suspended Prof Md Shafiqul Islam and Prof Afroza Shelly of the Department of Nuclear Engineering based on complaints from students of different batches and the findings of a fact-finding committee.
Meanwhile, Prof Md Abdul Muhit of the Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacology was removed as department chair and relieved of all academic and administrative responsibilities over allegations of acting against the spirit of the July Mass Uprising, spreading propaganda against the university administration and the government, and supporting a banned organisation.
Prof Dr Abu Shara Shamsur Rouf of the Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Prof Dr Rafiqul Islam (Rafiq Shahariar) of the Department of Peace and Conflict Studies were also relieved of all academic and administrative responsibilities over similar allegations.
Professor Dr Mohammad Bahauddin of the Department of Persian Language and Literature was relieved of his duties over allegations of departmental irregularities and plagiarism in MPhil and PhD theses.
At the same meeting, the syndicate formed a committee, led by Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Education) Professor Dr Abdus Salam, to review alleged irregularities in the university’s recruitment process between January 2009 and June 2024 and assess the transparency of appointments. The deans of all faculties have been included in the committee.