The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) backed Dhaka University (DU) teachers’ white panel has demanded the reinstatement of a colleague, who was terminated from his job over defaming Bangabandhu.
Prof Morshed Hasan Khan of the marketing department was sacked by the DU Syndicate – the highest governing body of the university – with DU Vice-Chancellor (VC) Prof Md Akhtaruzzaman in the chair, on September 9.
Morshed’s colleagues came up with their demand in a human chain on Thursday at the base of Aparajeo Bangla.
While reading out a statement, white panel Convener Prof ABM Obaidul Islam of the Physics Department of the university, said Article 56 of the Dhaka University Order, 1973 stated that a teacher’s services could be terminated if his offenses – related to moral degradation or incapability – were proved.
“But Prof Morshed has not been accused in any of the aforementioned allegations. Repression is ongoing in suppressing dissenting voices everywhere in the country. A National University Professor also could not manage to be exempt from the repression of this government,” he read out from the statement.
“Also, Article 56 (2) of the DU order gives teachers the right to exercise politics or freedom of expression,” Prof Obaidul Islam added.
“Despite the teacher’s expressing sorrow and seeking forgiveness for the unwarranted remarks made in an article published in a national daily and the pulling of the article, the authorities terminated him,” he continued.
“We condemn such action and demand the reinstatement of Prof Morshed through revoking the Syndicate decision,” the Physics department Chairman added.
Meanwhile, Muktijuddho Mancha – a platform comprising descendants of freedom fighters – demanded Morshed’s arrest for distorting history.
Amnesty International, however, has uploaded a model letter at its website, which anyone can use and send on to the President of Bangladesh demanding the reinstatement of Morshed as well as ensuring his family’s security.
Morshed wrote an article on the occasion of Independence Day in 2018, which reportedly defamed Bangabandhu, along with expressing contempt for the constitution, and allegedly distorted the history of the 1971 Liberation War.
He was suspended on April 2, 2018 after facing widespread protest by the ruling party’s student wing Bangladesh Chhatra League.
