Rajshahi University Scandal: 3 Professors Suspended

Rajshahi University (RU) has taken decisive disciplinary action against three of its teaching staff while also punishing five students following multiple allegations of misconduct. The decision was confirmed on Wednesday, 3 December, by the university’s Public Relations Administrator, Professor Dr Akhtar Hossain Majumdar, in an official statement. The measures were approved during the university’s 544th Syndicate meeting held the previous day and will take immediate effect.

Among those affected, Associate Professor Dr Anik Krishna Karmakar of the Department of Applied Chemistry and Chemical Engineering has been temporarily suspended for a period of three years. In addition, he has been barred from undertaking any examination-related responsibilities for the next ten years.

The Syndicate also decided to suspend Professor Dr Prabhash Kumar Karmakar from the Department of Statistics and Associate Professor Mohammad Hedayet Ullah from the Department of Finance. According to university regulations, a final decision on their permanent dismissal will be made after the next investigative committee report is submitted. Until then, both individuals remain suspended.

As for the student body, two students have had their enrolment cancelled, one student has been permanently expelled, and two others have been suspended for one year.

Professor Dr Moha. Main Uddin, Vice-Chancellor in charge of administration, stated that all measures, including the suspension of Dr Anik Krishna Karmakar, were implemented following Syndicate approval.

These disciplinary actions follow a serious incident on 11 May involving Associate Professor Mohammad Hedayet Ullah. He was permanently expelled from the university after evidence of unethical relations with a female student from the 2018–19 Finance cohort surfaced. Furthermore, due to evidence of extortion, two other students—Sirajul Islam Sumon and Nazmus Sakib—were also permanently expelled, with all their university certificates annulled.

In addition, former coordinators of the anti-discrimination student movement, Ataullah and Sajjad Hossain Sajib, were suspended for one year for their involvement in related allegations. The university has emphasised that these decisions reflect its commitment to uphold ethical standards and ensure accountability among both staff and students.

This episode has sent shockwaves through the academic community, raising questions about oversight and the measures taken to prevent misconduct at higher education institutions in Bangladesh.