Professor Dr Ershad Halim of Dhaka University’s (DU) Chemistry Department has been relieved from academic and administrative activities indefinitely following his arrest on charges of sexually harassing multiple male students over an extended period.
The administrative action follows detailed complaints submitted by the victims describing physical and psychological abuse.
University's action
The university administration confirmed that Dr Halim was indefinitely removed from his responsibilities based on the allegations.
Dean of the Faculty of Science at Dhaka University, Dr Abdus Salam, detailed the process, noting that Chemistry Department students submitted a "complaint letter" last Wednesday.
Following this submission, the Chemistry Department's Academic Committee sent a "proposal" to the vice-chancellor, who subsequently took "action".
According to the Chemistry department students, 2 complaint letters were submitted and around 8 to 9 students signed each letter.
Statements from victims
The arrest and administrative measures stem from allegations made by students on Wednesday.
The students also held a press conference at 10pm on Thursday at the Dhaka University Journalists' Association, after filing complaints at the Mirpur Model police station.
Students accused Professor Halim of "calling students to his room under various pretexts, turning off the lights, closing doors and windows, demanding physical contact, forcibly touching intimate parts of their bodies, and engaging in unwanted behavior."
A third-year Chemistry student (2022-23 academic year) reported that Dr Halim called him regarding a lab exam issue.
The professor allegedly claimed to have "nerve problems" that prevented him from feeling women’s touch but that he could feel men’s "strong hands."
He said after closing the door and the professor asked him to give him a massage, but then he grabbed his genitals and inflicted inhumane torture.
During a later visit at night, the professor physically assaulted the student and reportedly demanded that he remove his clothing. When the student refused, the assault continued. The professor then allegedly targeted the student’s genital area, causing severe pain.
The student reported losing consciousness twice due to the intensity of the pain and later woke up with significant swelling that affected his ability to walk. The professor is also said to have threatened the student to remain silent and follow him to his dormitory.
Another 3rd-year Chemistry student (2022-23 academic year) filed a complaint detailing an incident on September 30, 2025. The student visited Professor Halim's home regarding an exam problem. Upon arrival, the professor asked him to close the door and get undressed.
The student claimed the professor touched him inappropriately. The student also alleged that Halim used exam marks as leverage in similar incidents with other male students.
Arrest confirmation
Professor Dr Ershad Halim was arrested by Mirpur Model police station around 11pm on Thursday from his residence in Shewrapara and has since been sent to court.
Officer-in-charge (OC) of Mirpur Model police station, Sajjad Roman, confirmed the arrest.
Dhaka University Proctor Saifuddin Ahmed confirmed that the university authorities were informed about the arrest of the professor.
