In the forthcoming parliamentary election for Barisal-4 (Mehendiganj-Hizla), Jamaat-e-Islami candidate Mohammad Abdul Jabbar has been presenting himself as “Professor Abdul Jabbar” in campaign banners and leaflets. However, an investigation into his professional status reveals that he does not hold the rank of professor but serves two grades below.
Abdul Jabbar is the Amir of Barisal District Jamaat-e-Islami and currently works at Barisal City College in the Department of Islamic Studies as an assistant professor—a position that sits below the ranks of associate professor and full professor in the academic hierarchy.
Private college employment regulations indicate that the highest teaching position available in such institutions is that of assistant professor, corresponding to Grade 6 on the salary scale. Academic careers in private colleges typically begin at the position of lecturer. A lecturer in a degree college may be promoted to assistant professor after eight years of inclusion in the Monthly Pay Order (MPO) scheme. Beyond this, no higher promotion exists in private institutions, unlike government colleges where academic staff may advance from assistant professor to associate professor, and eventually to full professor, which aligns with Grade 3 of the national pay scale.
The discrepancy between his official position and the title used in campaign materials is evident: banners and leaflets distributed across Barisal display his name as “Professor Mohammad Abdul Jabbar,” while his nomination papers submitted to the Election Commission list him simply as “Mohammad Abdul Jabbar,” with his profession recorded as “Private College Teacher.”
Speaking to reporters, Acting Principal of Barisal City College, Md. Habibur Rahman, clarified, “In private colleges, there is no position beyond assistant professor. Mohammad Abdul Jabbar is an assistant professor in the Department of Islamic Studies. He is expected to retire in two years. Regarding the use of the title ‘Professor’ before his name, it is a common tradition among college teachers.”
Barisal District Senior Election Officer Md. Rokonuzzaman commented, “Misrepresenting oneself to voters is not explicitly covered under election conduct rules. It falls within the realm of personal ethics.” Meanwhile, Rafiqul Alam, Secretary of Citizens for Good Governance (Sujan) in Barisal Metropolitan, stated, “Any candidate providing false or misleading professional information sends a clear message about their credibility.”
Attempts to reach Mohammad Abdul Jabbar for comment were unsuccessful as his mobile phone remained switched off. His election campaign manager, Zahir Uddin Yamin, declined to comment on the matter, citing it as a personal issue of the candidate.
Academic Hierarchy and Salary Grades in Colleges
| Institution Type | Entry Position | Promotion Path | Highest Rank | Salary Grade | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Private College | Lecturer | Assistant Professor | Assistant Professor | Grade 6 | No further promotion; MPO inclusion after 8 years |
| Government College | Lecturer | Assistant Professor → Associate Professor → Professor | Professor | Grade 3 (Professor) | Clear hierarchy beyond assistant professor |
This case highlights the fine line between tradition and transparency in political campaigns, raising questions about the ethical responsibilities of candidates presenting themselves to the electorate.