IU teacher temporarily suspended over sexual harassment accusation

IU Correspondent:

The authorities of Islamic University in Kushtia on Saturday issued a notice addressing the temporary suspension of Professor Dr Azizul Islam of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering department. He was accused of sexual harassment, body shamming, passing bad comments to students and many more. A four member probe body was also formed to investigate this matter, a separate notice mentioned.

The office order states, ‘Students of the department lodged complaints against Dr Azizul Islam over sexual harassment, inappropriate and indecent behavior, vulgar and offensive comments regarding clothing and physical appearance in the classroom, and various inappropriate conversations via video calls on WhatsApp, Messenger, and Imo. The university’s image has been severely tarnished due to related news published in newspapers and on social media. Consequently, Dr Azizul Islam has been suspended from his position effective July 5.’

However, he will receive a subsistence allowance as per regulations during his suspension, the notice added.

Earlier, many female students of the department lodged complaints against Azizul with the department head on 22 June and later submitted written complaints to the Vice-Chancellor. They accused him of body shaming, making video calls via Imo, threatening to fail them if they didn’t answer video calls, and making improper proposals with promises of good grades.

However, the probe body led by Convenor, Professor Dr Muhammad Nazimuddin of Al-Fiqh and Law department was ordered to submit a report within twenty working days to the Vice Chancellor.

IU Public Administration department Professor Dr Fakrul Islam and assistant proctor, Bangla department Professor Dr Khondoker Arifa Akhter, and Law department Professor Dr Maksuda Akter are also the members of the probe committee.