JU imposes penalties on 12 teachers over ‘involvement in July campus attacks’

The probe covers incidents that took place across three separate days of unrest on campus in mid-July 2024

Jahangirnagar University has taken disciplinary action against 12 teachers and one official over allegations linked to violence during the 2024 Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, following a prolonged internal probe into campus unrest.

The decision was announced by Syndicate President and Vice-Chancellor (VC) Prof Mohammad Kamrul Ahsan on Tuesday after the university’s top decision-making body reviewed the inquiry report.

The Syndicate examined allegations against 19 teachers and two officials in connection with incidents that occurred on Jul 14, 15 and 17, 2024.

After deliberations lasting nearly 12 hours, it cleared seven teachers and one official of the charges.

The VC said the university had followed due process to ensure fairness.

“Separate hearings, testimony and data verification have been conducted in the case of teachers and officials so no innocent person is punished and no criminal is acquitted,” he said.

Among those penalised, Associate Prof Mehedi Iqbal of the Department of Geography and Environment was sent into retirement.

Assistant Prof Mohibur Rouf of the dramatics department was demoted to lecturer, while Prof Esrafil Ahmed from the same department had his salary reduced to the entry level.

Bangla Prof Nazmul Hassan Talukder and accounting lecturer Kanon Kumar Sen face a two-year suspension of annual increments along with pay reductions.

Former proctor and Professor Mohammad Alamgir Kabir of statistics had his salary downgraded to the starting scale of his current position and has been barred from administrative responsibilities for five years.

Prof Bashir Ahmed and Associate Prof ASM Firoz Ul Hasan of government and politics also received pay reductions and a five-year administrative ban.

Public health Prof Md Tajuddin Sikder and former Pro-VC Prof Mohammed Mostafa Feeroz were similarly downgraded and barred from administrative roles for five years, with Feeroz’s salary reduced to Grade II.

Physics Prof AA Mamun and Associate Professor Hosne Ara of history were issued warnings, while Mamun was also barred from administrative duties for five years.

Deputy Registrar Nahidur Rahman Khan was demoted to assistant registrar as part of the disciplinary measures.