Sexual Harassment: RU prof relieved of duties for 2yrs
The punitive
action against the professor was for sexually harassing two of his colleagues in
the department in May, more than one syndicate member told The Daily Star on
Monday.
Once the
decision takes effect, the professor would not be able to perform any academic,
administrative, and examination duties during the punishment period, they said.
“The
decision was taken following the high court division’s guidelines of 2010 on
prevention of sexual harassment on campuses,” said Assistant Prof Sadiqul
Islam Sagor, one of the syndicate members.
The
committee that investigated the incident recommended several punitive actions
including putting the involved teacher on forced retirement, but the syndicate
considered the ‘gravity of the offense,’ said Prof Sadiqul.
When
contacted, the RU VC who chaired the syndicate meeting said the decision would
be effective within a week when the minutes of the syndicate meeting will be
signed.
He declined
to give details before the signing.
In May, nine
teachers of the department filed a complaint with the VC alleging that two of
the department teachers Prof Mahbuba Kanij Keya and Prof Nazma Afroz were
sexually harassed by Prof Enamul.
A committee formed under directives of the high court to prevent sexual harassment in campuses investigated
the allegations and submitted its report to the syndicate.
end
A professor of Rajshahi University has been accused of sexually harassing his two colleagues.
According to the psychology department teachers, Professor Enamul Haque sexually harassed a teacher on Sunday, reports our Rajshahi staff correspondent.
On Tuesday, when Enamul Haque repeated the same behavior with another teacher of the department, that teacher complained to the vice-chancellor.
Nine teachers of the department lodged a separate complaint with the VC. They demanded disciplinary action against Enamul.
Rajshahi district and RU chapters of Bangladesh Mohila Parishad and Bangladesh National Women Lawyers Association jointly appealed to the RU VC to take action within seven working days.
Contacted, Enamul claimed that the allegations were false.
"Everyone has made some mistake or the other," he told The Daily Star yesterday. "If my mistakes are brought to the table, I will point out the mistakes of others as well."
RU VC Prof Golam Sabbir Sattar told The Daily Star, "The complaints have been sent to the university's legal cell for their recommendation."
Pledging to ensure a safe and harassment-free environment for all students and staff, he said, "We have taken the complaints seriously and will take the necessary action as per the law based on the recommendations of the legal cell."
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