Bangladesh Agricultural University (BAU) has suspended Dr. Md. Harun-or-Rashid, a professor in the Department of Agricultural Economics, allegedly for sexually harassing a Malaysian female student.
BAU Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. A. K. Fazlul Haque Bhuiyan confirmed the matter on Wednesday.
According to university sources, Dr. Md. Harun-or-Rashid was suspended based on the report and recommendations of the investigation committee presented at an urgent syndicate meeting held on Monday afternoon.
BAU students can now submit complaints online and offline as university seeks to address past misconduct
The professor was served a show-cause notice and asked to respond within10 days.
The syndicate also decided to investigate incidents of violence against women and sexual harassment in different times.
Meanwhile, various organizations, including the Legal Aid Sub-Committee of the Bangladesh Women’s Council and the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, demanded appropriate punishment based on thorough investi
gation.
Besides, the Malaysian Embassy in Dhaka sent a letter to the university administration requesting the investigation report.
On September 25, a Malaysian female student accused Harun of sexual harassment. In response to the allegation, a five-member investigation committee was formed.
During the investigation, general students of the university organised human chains and protest rallies, demanding a fair investigation and exemplary punishment for the accused teacher.
Source: United News of Bangladesh