New Age | BAU suspends professor for sexually harassing Malaysian student

Bangladesh Agricultural University has suspended Md Harun-or-Rashid, a professor in the department of agricultural economics, for allegedly sexually harassing a Malaysian student.

BAU Vice-Chancellor Professor AK Fazlul Haque Bhuiyan confirmed the matter on Wednesday.

According to university sources, Md Harun-or-Rashid was suspended based on the inquiry committee’s report and recommendations presented at an emergency syndicate meeting on Monday afternoon.

The professor was served with a subpoena and asked to respond within 10 days.

The syndicate also decided to investigate incidents of violence against women and sexual harassment at various points in time.

Meanwhile, various organizations, including the Legal Aid Subcommittee of the Bangladesh Women’s Council and the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, called for appropriate punishment based on a thorough investigation.

The Malaysian Embassy in Dhaka also sent a letter to the university management requesting the investigation report.

On September 25, a Malaysian student accused Harun of sexual harassment. In response to the accusation, a five-member investigative committee was formed.

During the investigation, general students of the university organized human chains and protest demonstrations, demanding a fair investigation and exemplary punishment for the accused teacher.