Professor Dr ABM Abdullah has expressed deep disappointment and resentment over the decision of Bangladesh Medical University (BMU) to revoke his lifetime appointment as Emeritus Professor and order him to return the honorarium he received in that capacity.
Describing the move as a personal and social humiliation, the veteran physician said that at this stage of his life, such a decision had caused him immense distress.
“I have served the medical profession with honesty and dedication for nearly five decades,” he said, noting that he had received 14 to 15 international and academic awards, the UGC Award, and the country's prestigious Ekushey Padak. He also served on the International Advisory Boards of two globally renowned medical books, Davidson and Kumar & Clark.
Questioning the university's claim that his appointment was unlawful, Prof Abdullah said merely labelling it “illegal” was not enough and that the authorities must explain why.
“When I was appointed, all prescribed procedures were followed. My qualifications, competence and contributions were evaluated through five stages before the honour was conferred. If the appointment had truly been unlawful, the administration at the time would never have appointed me,” he said.
Asked whether personal vendetta might have influenced the decision, he said he could not say so with certainty, but did not rule out the possibility of personal hostility or resentment. He alleged that the university had failed to provide any specific justification for declaring the appointment invalid.
“I am not aware of any precedent, either in Bangladesh or elsewhere in the world, where a lifetime honorary appointment has been revoked. To me, the entire decision appears unjust, unreasonable and motivated,” he said.
Prof Abdullah also questioned the directive requiring him to return the honorarium received as Emeritus Professor.
“I did not obtain this money through theft, robbery or coercion. It was not a salary; it was an honorarium. If the university wants it back, I will return it. But that will not enhance its dignity; rather, it will diminish it,” he said.
He further criticised the decision, saying it reflected “pettiness rather than magnanimity.”
“They may believe their decision is the only correct one. But others also have the ability to judge and understand what is really happening,” he added.
Prof Abdullah said he remains grateful for the love and respect he has received from people and intends to continue serving them for the rest of his life.
“By the grace of Allah, I continue to enjoy the love and respect of the people. I wish to dedicate myself to serving humanity until the very last day of my life,” he said.
The eminent physician also alleged that he had not been given an opportunity to defend himself before the decision was taken.
“Had I been informed beforehand, I would have had the opportunity to present my position. If they still remained unconvinced, they could have made their decision afterwards. Instead, the decision was taken without giving me any chance to explain myself. One cannot act arbitrarily; I, too, may have valid grounds and arguments.”
Earlier, an office order signed by BMU Registrar Professor Dr Md Mostafa Kamal stated that at the university’s 92nd Syndicate Budget Meeting on June 20, 2024, the Emeritus Professor Appointment Ordinance had been amended outside the meeting agenda, following which Prof Abdullah was appointed Emeritus Professor for life.
The order said the appointment was later deemed inconsistent with university regulations. Subsequently, the university’s 99th Syndicate Meeting decided to revoke the appointment and instructed Prof Abdullah to return the honorarium received under the position.