Rajshahi University sacks three teachers, penalises five students

A committee will look into the allegations against the teachers before a final decision, says a university official

The Rajshahi University Syndicate has taken disciplinary action against three teachers and five students based on different allegations.

Of these, three teachers have been dismissed, five students have been penalised, including expulsion, according to a statement from the university's public relations office on Wednesday.

The statement said Aneek Krishna Karmakar, associate professor of the Department of Applied Chemistry & Chemical Engineering, has been suspended for three years.

Prof Akhtar Hossain Mazumder, administrator of the public relations office, said: “A committee will re-investigate their case. A final decision will be taken based on the committee’s report.”

On Aug 13, students demanded the permanent expulsion of Prof Provash Kumar Karmokar, alleging sexual harassment.

On Aug 17, the university administration formed an investigation committee against him in response to student protests.

The actions taken against the students include expulsion of three students and a one-year suspension for two others.

The decision was made at the university’s 544th Syndicate meeting on Tuesday, according to the statement, and has been effective since then.

Prof Akhtar said, “An investigation committee was formed in advance to investigate different complaints against the teachers. The Syndicate took the decision based on the committee’s report.”

“The names of the students were not disclosed consciously, as there are female students among them.”