Dhaka University yesterday sent a teacher on forced leave for an indefinite period following a complaint that he had misbehaved with the Chairman of his department.
The DU syndicate took the decision against Dr ABM Obidul Islam, a professor of Physics Department and also convener of White Panel, the BNP–Jamaat panel of teachers, at a meeting in the Senate Bhabanon Sunday with Vice-Chancellor AAMS Arefin Siddique in the chair.
Dr Farid Uddin Ahmed, syndicate member of Dhaka University and also incumbent president of Dhaka University Teachers’ Association informed the Dhaka Tribune about the matter.
According to campus sources, Chairman of Physics Department Professor D Azizur Rahman and Obaidul were locked in an altercation over buying some instrument for the department’s laboratory.
During the argument, Obidul Islam castigated the Chairman with abusive words.
Following the issue, D Azizur Rahman sent a written complaint to vice-chancellor and Dhaka University Teachers’ Association, demanding measures against Obidul.
Asked about his reaction about the action, Obidul Islam said he did not misbehave with Chairman and termed the move a “politically-motivated conspiracy.”
“It is clear to everyone that it is political game as the syndicate members have taken the decision against me without the probe committee report”, he said.
Syndicate member Farid Uddin said it was a primary decision against himand he would get every facility during his leave, including salary.
He also said a five-member probe committee was formed to investigate the matter.
“Further action will be taken according the probe committee report,” he added.
But Chairman of the department Azizur Rahman could not be reached over phone despite several attempts.
However, teachers of White panel of the university have expressed great discontent at the decision.
They termed it a “politically-motivated decision” and hoped that the real picture would be disclosed after proper investigation.