Dhaka University has temporarily suspended Chemistry Department Professor Md Ershad Halim after authorities found prima facie evidence supporting allegations of sexual harassment brought forward by students.
The decision was taken at a recently held meeting of the Dhaka University Syndicate, chaired by Vice-Chancellor Prof Niaz Ahmed Khan.
According to syndicate sources, a five-member investigation committee has been formed to examine the allegations. Sir Salimullah Medical College Principal Mazharul Islam Shaheen has been made the convener. The other members are Supreme Court lawyer Barrister Moniruzzaman, Assistant Proctor Enamul Haque Sajeeb, a representative nominated by the accused, and the university’s Deputy Registrar (Investigation), who will act as the member-secretary.
The committee has been asked to submit a report with recommendations within three months.
Earlier, a Dhaka court rejected the bail petition of Prof Halim and ordered him to be sent to jail in a case filed over sexually harassing students.
The order was issued by Dhaka Metropolitan Magistrate Mahbub Alam on 14 November after hearing an application submitted by the investigation officer.
Investigators said police from Mirpur Model Police Station detained the accused from his Sheorapara residence on the night of 13 November and produced him before court the following day. The court then ordered him to be sent to jail.
The case was filed by eight students of the DU Chemistry Department.
At the hearing, the defence claimed the case had been filed nearly a month after the alleged incident and argued that there was no information in the statement regarding prior disclosure.
The lawyer also alleged that the accused had become a target of internal departmental politics due to his research activities. The court, however, did not accept the arguments and rejected the bail plea.
Case documents state that the complainant is a regular undergraduate student. On 26 September, Prof Halim allegedly contacted the student over an issue relating to a physics minor laboratory examination and later called him to his Mirpur residence, where the alleged sexual assault took place.
The statement further describes intimidation, forced confinement, and subsequent physical abuse, after which the victim reportedly lost consciousness. The accused later dropped the student at the university premises at around 7:30am.
A case was filed with Mirpur Model Police Station on 14 October, and the investigating officer has since taken necessary steps.
The university authorities have said that further action may follow once the investigation committee submits its report.
Courtesy: The Daily Sun
Bd-Pratidin English/ AM
