The administration of Noakhali Science and Technology University (NSTU) has removed Professor Firoz Ahmed, chairman of the university’s Microbiology Department, after an image of former prime minister Sheikh Hasina was displayed on a digital screen while the national anthem was being played.
Meanwhile, the university’s pro-vice-chancellor, Professor Mohammad Shafikul Islam, has been appointed acting chairman of the department in the interest of a proper investigation and until the matter is resolved.
The information was disclosed in an office order signed by acting Registrar Mohammad Tamjid Hossain Chowdhury on Wednesday.
According to the office order, Sheikh Hasina’s image was displayed on a digital screen during the national anthem at the inaugural program of “International Microorganism Day-2026”, organized by the Microbiology Department at Bir Sreshtho Shaheed Mohammad Ruhul Amin Auditorium on 17 September.
Professor Firoz Ahmed, chairman of the Microbiology Department and former president of “Neel Dal”, an organization of Awami League-aligned teachers, and Associate Professor Khandaker Fahmida Sultana, convenor of the event organizing committee, were issued show-cause notices over the incident. They have already replied to the notices.
A 3-member investigation committee has been formed to conduct a proper investigation and submit a report. Professor Md Hasan Uddin, treasurer of the university, has been made convener, Professor Gazi Md Mohsin, dean of the Faculty of Life Sciences, a member, and Professor AFM Arifur Rahman, proctor, member-secretary.
Acting Registrar Mohammad Tamjid Hossain Chowdhury confirmed the matter and said further action would be taken based on the investigation committee’s report. During the investigation, the university’s pro-vice-chancellor will serve as chairman of the department.
Earlier, on Thursday, Sheikh Hasina’s image appeared in the final part of a background video while the national anthem was being played at the inauguration of a 2-day workshop organized by the Microbiology Department.
When the incident came to the attention of the guests present, Treasurer Professor Md Hasan Uddin immediately protested, after which the national anthem was played again using audio only.
The university administration considered the incident disrespectful to those killed and injured in the 2024 mass uprising and contrary to service discipline, and issued show-cause notices to the individuals concerned.
The administration of Noakhali Science and Technology University (NSTU) removed Professor Firoz Ahmed, chairman of the university’s Microbiology Department, in Noakhali on Wednesday after an image of former prime minister Sheikh Hasina was displayed on a digital screen while the national anthem was being played.
Meanwhile, Professor Mohammad Shafikul Islam, the university’s pro-vice-chancellor, will serve as chairman of the department during the investigation and until the matter is resolved.
The information was disclosed in an office order signed by acting Registrar Mohammad Tamjid Hossain Chowdhury on Wednesday.
According to the office order, Sheikh Hasina’s image was displayed on a digital screen during the national anthem at the inaugural program of “International Microorganism Day-2026,” organized by the Microbiology Department at Bir Sreshtho Shaheed Mohammad Ruhul Amin Auditorium on September 17.
Professor Firoz Ahmed, chairman of the Microbiology Department and former president of “Neel Dal,” an organization of Awami League-aligned teachers, and Associate Professor Khandaker Fahmida Sultana, convenor of the event organizing committee, were issued show-cause notices over the incident. They have replied to the notices.
A 3-member investigation committee has been formed to investigate the incident and submit a report. Professor Md Hasan Uddin, treasurer of the university, is the convener; Professor Gazi Md Mohsin, dean of the Faculty of Life Sciences, is a member; and Professor AFM Arifur Rahman, proctor, is the member-secretary.
Acting Registrar Mohammad Tamjid Hossain Chowdhury confirmed the matter and said further action would be taken based on the investigation committee’s report. During the investigation, the university’s pro-vice-chancellor will serve as chairman of the department.
Earlier, on Thursday, Sheikh Hasina’s image appeared in the final part of a background video while the national anthem was being played at the inauguration of a 2-day workshop organized by the Microbiology Department.
