Three Dhaka University teachers have been demoted on charge of plagiarism in their research papers.

The university authorities took the decision yesterday at a monthly syndicate meeting.

Seeking anonymity, a syndicate member confirmed the development to The Daily Star last evening.

The demoted teachers are Samia Rahman of the Department of Mass Communication and Journalism; Syed Mahfujul Haque Marjan of the Department of Criminology; and Muhammad Omor Faruq of the Department of Islamic History and Culture.

Samia Rahman, who was an associate professor, has been demoted to assistant professor. Omor Faruq, who was an assistant professor, has been demoted to lecturer and his PhD degree has been cancelled. Syed Mahfujul Haque Marjan, who was a lecturer, is currently on a study leave.

The syndicate has decided that Marjan would have to discharge duties as lecturer for two more years after he rejoins the university.