Khulna University Dismisses Professor Following Sexual Harassment Investigation

Khulna University (KU) has dismissed Professor Md Rezaul Islam of the Agrotechnology Discipline following a formal investigation into allegations of sexual harassment and inappropriate misconduct directed at female students.

The decision was finalised during the university’s 237th Syndicate meeting on Thursday, 30 July. Simultaneously, the administration established a high-powered, five-member special committee to investigate separate sexual harassment allegations against Professor Dr Md Rubel Ansar of the Bangla Discipline, acting upon findings previously submitted by the Sexual Harassment and Exploitation Prevention Centre.

Confirming the administrative measures, the Acting Registrar of Khulna University, Professor Dr S. M. Mahbubur Rahman, stated that the newly formed five-member panel operates independently of the prevention centre. The high-powered administrative committee has been tasked with conducting a thorough probe and submitting its official report within 30 working days.

Student Boycotts and Campus Demonstrations

The administrative disciplinary actions follow intense student protests that effectively crippled academic and administrative operations across the campus. Students initiated an indefinite boycott of lectures, examinations, and administrative functions, demanding stringent justice regarding three distinct issues:

• The sexual harassment allegations against Professor Md Rezaul Islam.

• The misconduct complaints against Professor Dr Md Rubel Ansar.

• An incident involving a canteen worker at the Bijoy–24 Hall accused of covertly filming female students without their consent.

Frustrations mounted after initial negotiations with the university authority failed to yield immediate outcomes, leading demonstrating students to lock down several academic and administrative buildings last Thursday.

Background of the Allegations

The formal proceedings against Professor Islam commenced on 16 June, when students from the Agrotechnology Discipline submitted a written complaint to the Sexual Harassment and Exploitation Prevention Centre on behalf of a victim. The complaint included documented digital evidence, such as screenshot transcripts of objectionable messages sent via WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger.

A seven-member investigation panel led by Professor Mst Taslima Khatun, Chairperson of the Sexual Harassment and Exploitation Prevention Centre, officially launched an inquiry into the matter on 17 June.

According to the documentation provided by the complainant, the perpetrator initially maintained a professional demeanor before escalating to explicit, inappropriate, and uncomfortable communications. The transcript evidence revealed inappropriate statements from the academic, including unsolicited declarations of affection, suggestions of improper physical contact, and suggestive remarks regarding her appearance.

Speaking on the ordeal, the victim recounted how the harassment began almost immediately after she connected with the professor on social media:

“The day after I sent him a friend request on Facebook, he accepted it and immediately began messaging me, which initially surprised me. Over time, his messages became increasingly uncomfortable. When I could no longer tolerate the situation, I informed my classmates and discipline representatives. Although there was a lack of immediate action at first, I ultimately decided to seek formal justice.”

She added:

“Such behavior is entirely unacceptable from an educator. Initially, I was hesitant to come forward against such an influential figure, but I realized the importance of speaking out against wrongdoing. I hope other victims find the courage to speak up, and I demand exemplary punishment so that no student has to endure this in the future.”

The formal action has also encouraged former students to come forward. Another female alumna from the same discipline disclosed that the academic had a long-standing history of verbal and psychological harassment dating back nearly a decade. She noted that even before the widespread use of social media platforms, the teacher routinely subjected female students—particularly married students—to inappropriate and uncomfortable inquiries during lectures, via late-night telephone calls, and through text messages.

The university administration has reassured the student body that it remains committed to upholding a safe academic environment and enforcing zero tolerance towards any form of sexual misconduct or harassment on campus.