Dhaka University finds plagiarism evidence against teacher

Dhaka University (DU) has found proof of plagiarism by one of its teachers on their PhD thesis and formed a tribunal that usually determines the punishment for such academic misconduct.

The decision was taken at a Syndicate meeting, chaired by DU vice-chancellor Prof Md Akhtaruzzaman, at the Nabab Nawab Ali Chowdhury Senate building on Thursday evening.

Multiple syndicate members, seeking anonymity, confirmed to Dhaka Tribune that a probe body had found the proof against the teacher.

A press release sent by the university’s Public Relations Office also said that the three-member tribunal was formed to formally look into the allegations and plagiarism evidence and submit its findings -- along with recommendations for next steps against the teacher.

An associate professor of the Pharmaceutical Technology Department, Abul Kalam Lutful Kabir had made the headlines after allegations rose that 98% of his PhD thesis was plagiarized.

The High Court on January 11 wanted to know whether DU uses any software or any other information technology to preserve the thesis of PhD holders after a writ petition was filed referring to Kabir’s news.

On February 5, the DU Syndicate relieved Kabir from administrative and academic duties and formed the probe body that found proof of plagiarism.

The newly-formed tribunal will be headed by Prof Md Rahmat Ullah.

Thursday’s Syndicate meeting also asked the university's Institutional Quality Assurance Cell (IQAC) to review the Sanskrit Department’s curriculum and performance of students and submit a report.

The decision was made as the teacher recruitment board recently found out that none of the 16 candidates from the department could read Sanskrit.

The Syndicate also approved the constitution of the newly established Bangamata Sheikh Fazilatunnesa Mujib Center for Gender and Development Studies and conferred 24 researchers with PhD and 17 with MPhil degrees in line with Academic Council’s recommendations.