Investigation finds proof of sexual harassment allegations against two Dhaka University teachers

The university syndicate suspends the teachers from all administrative and academic duties until the end of the investigation

The investigation committee formed by the Dhaka University Syndicate has found initial evidence of sexual harassment and emotional abuse of a female student by Dr Naadir Junaid, a professor at the university’s Department of Mass Communication and Journalism.

The committee also found preliminary proof of another complaint of sexual harassment filed by several female students against Dr Mohammad Ferdows, professor and chairman of the university’s Department of Applied Mathematics.

The evidence was found after the committee submitted its reports at the Syndicate meeting presided over by the university’s Vice Chancellor Prof ASM Maksud Kamal.

The fact-finding committee found initial evidence of the allegations of sexual harassment against the two. The allegations have been sent to the university’s sexual harassment prevention cell for further investigation. The cell has been given two months to investigate the incidents, Syndicate member and science faculty dean Dr Md Abdus Samad said.

“The Syndicate has suspended the two from all administrative and academic duties of the university until the end of the investigation.”

On Feb 11, several students from the department’s master’s course alleged that Junaid wilfully lowered the grade points of an entire batch. A female student of the department also lodged a written complaint with the proctor accusing the teacher of sexually and mentally harassing her. She also submitted audio recordings and screenshots of messages.

Another female student of the department also accused Junaid of covering up the incident of verbal sexual harassment on that day.

On Feb 28, another student from a university in Dhaka accused Junaid of sexual harassment and mental abuse. The university Syndicate formed a three-member investigation committee to probe the complaints, asking the committee to submit a report in two weeks following the allegations. The committee submitted its reports after two months.