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The University of Dhaka (DU) has decided to suspend Professor Dr Sadeka Halim, a faculty member of the Department of Sociology and former Vice-Chancellor of Jagannath University, over allegations including taking a stance against students during the July Mass Uprising.
The university has also relieved six professors affiliated with the pro-Awami League Blue Panel from all academic and administrative responsibilities until investigations into allegations related to the uprising are completed.
DU Syndicate members and Pro-Vice Chancellor (Education) Professor Dr Abdus Salam and Pro-Vice Chancellor (Administration) Professor Dr Mohammad Almojadeddie Alfechani confirmed the decisions on Thursday (July 30).
The decisions were taken at a Syndicate meeting held on Tuesday night (July 28).
According to the Syndicate decision, the six professors — Professor Md Abdul Muhit of the Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacology, Professor Abu Sara Shamsur Rouf of the Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Professor Dr Mohammad Bahauddin of the Department of Persian Language and Literature, Professor Dr Rafique Shahriar of the Department of Peace and Conflict Studies, and Professors Afroza Shelly and Dr Md Shafiqul Islam of the Department of Nuclear Engineering — will not be allowed to conduct classes, perform administrative duties or participate in other academic activities until the investigations are completed.
Sources said the university has decided to forward a previous investigation committee’s recommendation for the permanent dismissal of Professor Dr Sadeka Halim to the university tribunal. The tribunal will make the final decision after reviewing the allegations.
Dr Sadeka Halim, a professor of DU’s Sociology Department, was elected a member of the advisory council of the Awami League in 2022. She previously served as the Vice-Chancellor of Jagannath University.
Speaking to journalists, Sadeka Halim said she would not comment on the matter until the tribunal reaches a final decision. The six suspended professors also declined to make any statement.
Meanwhile, the university administration has formed a separate investigation committee to take action against teachers, officials and employees accused of opposing the July Mass Uprising.
Professor Almojadeddie Alfechani said several individuals had submitted complaints, along with evidence, alleging that some university teachers, officials and employees had taken positions against the July movement. A high-level committee has been formed to verify the allegations and recommend necessary action.
The committee includes DU Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr ABM Obaidul Islam, Pro-Vice Chancellor (Administration) Professor Dr Mohammad Almojadeddie Alfechani, Pro-Vice Chancellor (Education) Professor Dr Abdus Salam, and Syndicate member Professor Morshed Hasan Khan.
