Bangladesh Medical University (BMU) has revoked the lifetime appointment of Professor Dr ABM Abdullah as emeritus professor and ordered him to return all salaries and benefits received while serving in the position.
BMU Registrar Professor Dr Md Mostafa Kamal issued the office order announcing the decision, while Dr Abdullah confirmed to the media that he had received the letter.
A renowned medicine specialist, Dr Abdullah also served as the personal physician to former prime minister Sheikh Hasina.
According to the office order, the university’s 92nd Budget Session of the Syndicate, held on June 20, 2024, amended the Emeritus Professor Appointment Ordinance based on a proposal raised by a syndicate member outside the approved agenda. During the same meeting, Dr Abdullah was appointed Emeritus Professor for life.
The university authorities said the appointment was made in violation of existing regulations and was therefore not legally tenable.
As a result, the syndicate’s decision granting him a lifetime emeritus professorship has been annulled. The university has also directed him to refund all salaries and allowances drawn from the date of that syndicate meeting.
Reacting to the decision, Dr Abdullah said he had already received the official notice and described the move as unfair and unjust.
“There is no precedent anywhere in the world for stripping someone of such an honorary position in this manner,” he said.
“I have been serving patients for nearly 50 years. Many of my former students are now distinguished professors across the country. Such treatment at this stage of my life is deeply disappointing. Those who made this decision know best why they did so,” he added.