The Islamic University (IU) campus in Kushtia has been thrown into turmoil following allegations of an attempted abduction of a faculty member. Assistant Professor Shariful Islam Jewel, head of the Tourism and Hospitality Management Department, reportedly became the target of an attempted kidnapping, according to both the teacher and his family.
The accused, Shahed Ahmed, a local student political leader, is alleged to have picked up Professor Jewel from his residence on Tuesday morning and taken him onto a motorcycle en route to the campus. CCTV footage reportedly shows Shahed, wearing a helmet, riding the motorcycle with the professor seated behind him. Following this incident, the professor’s mobile phone was unreachable for several hours, prompting concern over his whereabouts.
In protest, students staged demonstrations across the campus on Wednesday from 1:00 PM onwards. They conducted marches along various campus roads before gathering outside the administrative building, effectively restricting the movement of university officials. The protests continued until 5:00 PM, after which the students suspended their activities following discussions with the administration.
Students’ Key Demands and Administrative Responses
| No. | Demand / Response | Deadline / Comment |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Investigation into alleged abduction | Within 3 working days |
| 2 | Presence of Professor Jewel on campus | By 31 January |
| 3 | Publication of previous corruption white papers | Within 3 working days |
| 4 | Immediate suspension of activities of all teacher-led organisations | Effective immediately |
Professor Jewel was temporarily taken to the office of the Superintendent of Police in Jhenaidah. Later, at approximately 5:30 PM, a team from the university’s Proctorial Board escorted him back to the campus.
Speaking to reporters, Shahed Ahmed insisted, “The professor called me this morning expressing concern for his safety. I merely ensured he reached the campus and later returned him home safely. No abduction took place.”
IU Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. Nakeeb Mohammad Nasrullah emphasised, “If evidence warrants, legal action will follow. Removing a teacher from their home is never acceptable. An investigative committee will thoroughly examine the matter.”
Jhenaidah Police Superintendent Mahfuz Afzal confirmed, “Both parties were interviewed separately. The incident occurred through mutual understanding, and no abduction took place. The professor has been handed over safely to his family.”
Meanwhile, the departmental faculty recruitment board proceeded with written examinations in the absence of teachers. Oral exams, however, have been postponed due to the student protests. University authorities remain on high alert to prevent further disturbances on campus.