Dhaka University extends female dormitory curfew to 11 PM and suspends four faculty members

Dhaka University has extended the mandatory gate-closing time for its female residential halls by one hour, moving the deadline from 10:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. The decision was formalized during a meeting of the university’s highest policymaking body, the Syndicate, held on Monday under the chairmanship of Vice-Chancellor Professor A.B.M. Obaidul Islam.

In addition to the policy shift regarding residential halls, the university administration has announced the temporary suspension of four faculty members. Three of these professors were suspended for allegedly opposing the July mass uprising, while the fourth was suspended over irregularities concerning academic qualifications at the time of recruitment.

Professor Mohammad Almojadded Alfe Sani, the Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Administration), confirmed the disciplinary actions. The three professors suspended for their alleged opposition to the July movement are Professor M. Wahiduzzaman Chan and Professor Muhammad Mahbubur Rahman of the Institute of Education and Research, alongside Professor Mashiur Rahman of the Department of Sociology. These suspensions follow the recommendations of an internal probe committee; the university has also established a tribunal to further investigate these cases.

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Professor Mashiur Rahman rejected the allegations, labeling the suspension an affront to the practice of free thought and asserting that the charges are baseless. He maintained that he did not oppose students during the protests. Similarly, Professor Muhammad Mahbubur Rahman expressed frustration with the decision, claiming he supported the student movement and actively assisted in securing bail for a student. He further argued that the accusations against him stem from events occurring seven to eight years ago. Professor M. Wahiduzzaman Chan could not be reached for comment.

Separately, the administration suspended Associate Professor Md. Ziaur Rahman, also known as Sayem Rana, from the Department of Music. The suspension is linked to allegations that he failed to meet the mandatory educational qualifications stipulated in the recruitment circular for his position. While Rahman holds an MPhil and a PhD in music, he earned his undergraduate and master’s degrees in Islamic Studies, failing to satisfy the requirement for a music-specific degree at the bachelor’s and master’s levels. A committee has been formed to conduct a formal investigation into his appointment.