Alleged Abduction Sparks Turmoil at Islamic University

A storm has erupted on the campus of Islamic University (IU) in Kushtia after allegations surfaced that Shahida Ahmed, the convener of the student wing, forcibly took a senior faculty member from his home. The faculty member in question is Assistant Professor Shariful Islam Juel, Head of the Department of Tourism and Hospitality Management, who was reportedly on his way to attend a faculty recruitment board meeting.

The incident prompted widespread student protests, which began around 1:00 pm and continued well into the late afternoon, bringing parts of the campus to a standstill. Students blocked roads, staged demonstrations outside the administration building, and effectively trapped administrative staff inside when both gates were locked.

According to reports, on Wednesday morning at around 9:00 am, Prof. Juel left his home in Jhenaidah to attend the scheduled recruitment board. CCTV footage later showed Shahida Ahmed, wearing a helmet, riding a motorcycle with Prof. Juel seated behind him. His family lost contact with him shortly after, raising fears that he had been abducted.

Despite the alarm, the recruitment board proceeded without the department head, completing the written examination, though the oral examinations were delayed due to the ongoing unrest.

By early afternoon, Shahida Ahmed claimed via social media that Prof. Juel had contacted him about feeling unsafe, prompting him to personally escort the professor. Prof. Juel later appeared in a live video from his home, confirming that he was safe and had not been abducted. He was subsequently taken to the Jhenaidah Superintendent of Police’s office for questioning. As of 5:30 pm, a university proctorial team had been dispatched to bring him back to campus.

IU authorities have stated that if evidence warrants, legal action will be taken. Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. Nakeeb Mohammad Nasrullah emphasised that no faculty member should be forcibly removed from their residence. Meanwhile, Jhenaidah Police Superintendent Mahfuz Afzal said investigations indicate a mutual understanding between the parties, and no abduction occurred.

Timeline of Events

The incident has raised concerns about student conduct, faculty safety, and administrative control at IU, with demands for a transparent investigation into the matter and timely resumption of normal academic procedures.