"Promoted from assistant professor to professor."

In the Barisal-4 constituency, encompassing Mehendiganj and Hizla, Jamaat-e-Islami’s candidate, Mohammad Abdul Jabbar, has stirred controversy by presenting himself as “Professor Abdul Jabbar” in his election campaign materials. However, verification from his workplace confirms that he is not a full professor but occupies a lower-ranking academic post.

Abdul Jabbar currently serves as the Assistant Professor in the Department of Islamic Studies at Barisal City College. He is also the Amir of Barisal District Jamaat-e-Islami. In Bangladesh’s private college system, the rank of assistant professor is the highest attainable position, with a Grade-6 salary scale under the MPO (Monthly Pay Order) scheme.

The progression for a private college academic typically begins at the position of Lecturer (Prabhask). After approximately eight years of MPO service, a lecturer may be promoted to assistant professor. Unlike government colleges, private institutions have no higher grades beyond assistant professor. In contrast, in government colleges, academic progression continues from assistant professor to Associate Professor, and finally to Professor, the latter corresponding to Grade-3 of the national pay scale.

Academic Career Path in Bangladesh Colleges

During the current election, banners and leaflets in Barisal-4 prominently display his name as “Professor Mohammad Abdul Jabbar”, whereas his nomination papers submitted to the Election Commission list him as Mohammad Abdul Jabbar, with his profession stated as “Private College Teacher.”

Professor-in-charge of Barisal City College, Md. Habibur Rahman, confirmed that Abdul Jabbar holds the position of assistant professor in the Islamic Studies department and will retire in two years. Regarding the use of the “Professor” title in campaign materials, Rahman explained that it is a common practice among private college teachers to prefix their names with “Professor,” even if their official designation does not correspond.

Senior election officer of Barisal District, Md. Rokonuzzaman, noted that providing misleading professional titles is not covered under electoral conduct rules, leaving it a matter of personal ethics. Meanwhile, Rafiqul Alam, Secretary of the Citizens for Good Governance (SUJAN) Barisal chapter, stated that any candidate presenting false or misleading information about their professional identity sends a clear message to voters about their credibility.

Attempts to contact Abdul Jabbar for comment were unsuccessful, as his mobile phone remained switched off. Similarly, Zahid Uddin Yamin, head of his election management committee, declined to comment on personal matters regarding the candidate.