Khulna University Professor Fired Following Sexual Harassment Findings
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Khulna University has officially terminated Professor Rezaul Islam of the Agro-technology discipline following confirmed allegations of sexual harassment. The decision was reached during the university’s 237th syndicate meeting on Thursday, according to acting Registrar Professor S.M. Mahbubur Rahman.
As part of the disciplinary measures, the university administration has resolved to notify all public and private universities, as well as similar academic institutions across the country, regarding the termination. The action follows a formal investigation triggered by complaints that surfaced in mid-June, when a student accused Professor Islam of sexual harassment and sending inappropriate messages via social media platforms, including WhatsApp and Messenger.
Following the emergence of these allegations, students launched a series of protests, including sit-ins and demonstrations, demanding accountability. In response to the growing unrest, the university’s sexual harassment prevention center launched a formal probe. Prior to his dismissal, Professor Islam had already been relieved of his duties as the head of his discipline. Despite multiple attempts to reach him for comment regarding the syndicate’s decision, he remained unreachable.
The syndicate also addressed broader campus grievances by forming a five-member high-level committee to review pending cases involving other faculty members, including Professor Md. Rubel Ansar of the Bangla discipline. This committee has been mandated to submit its findings within 30 working days.
The administration’s move comes amid ongoing student protests that have paralyzed academic and administrative functions at the university. Students recently initiated an indefinite boycott of classes and examinations, citing a pattern of misconduct that extends beyond the charges against Professor Islam. Their demands include the permanent expulsion of both Professor Islam and Professor Ansar, the punishment of a canteen worker accused of secretly recording female students at the Bijoy ’24 Hall, and the dissolution of the “Spandan-24” student club due to concerns regarding its mandate and formation. While students unlocked administrative and academic buildings on July 26, the boycott remains in effect as they continue to pressure the university to meet their core demands for campus safety and institutional accountability.
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