Sexual Harassment of DU Student: Initial probe finds proof against teacher
A female student of Dhaka University (DU) has brought an allegation of sexual harassment against a teacher. Primarily, a probe committee has found proof of the allegation, informed DU sources.
On December 13, the student submitted a complaint letter to Vice Chancellor Prof M Akhtaruzzaman demanding justice after proper investigation.
The VC has directed the faculty dean to investigate the allegation, who formed the probe committee in this regard.
Seeking anonymity, a member of the committee told this correspondent that they have talked to both the victim and accused. "In our primary investigation, the incident of harassment has been confirmed. We have recommended the university authorities to take action against the teacher."
The probe report was submitted to the VC on January 9, as per DU sources.
Meanwhile, the department has suspended the accused faculty member for a year-worth of courses. However, according to university rules, any individual accused of such charges have to be released of all academic duties until the investigation is completed.
The victim's family has expressed deep concern over the matter and demanded proper punishment.
However, the accused teacher -- Muhammad Sazzad Hossain Siddiqui -- has denied the allegation.
"This is a conspiracy. Besides, the probe committee has not informed me of finding proof in favour of the allegations as well," he told this correspondent yesterday.
Mentionable, on February 23, the university syndicate reformed its anti-sexual harassment cell. The cell is looking into the allegation as per the VC's direction.
Prof Zeenat Huda of Sociology and provost of Ruqayyah Hall is heading the cell. A meeting has been called in this regard on March 13.
Prof Zeenat Huda could not be contacted for comments.
Meanwhile, some students have urged the university authorities to take proper action against the teacher. On March 3, they submitted a letter to the VC in this regard.
Contacted, VC Akhtaruzzaman said, "We have directed the anti-sexual harassment cell to look into the issue."
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