BAU teacher temporarily suspended on sexual harassment charges
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Dr. M. Harun-Ar Rashid, a professor in the Agricultural Economics Department at Bangladesh Agricultural University (BAU), has been temporarily suspended by the authorities following accusations of sexual harassment involving a Malaysian student.
Vice-Chancellor of the University Prof A. K. Fazlul Haque Bhuiyan confirmed the decision on Wednesday.
According to university sources, in an emergency syndicate meeting held on Monday afternoon, Professor Dr. M. Harun-Ar Rashid was suspended based on the report and recommendations of the investigation committee.
He has been given 10 days to present his defense.
In addition to this trial, the syndicate has decided to investigate incidents of sexual harassment that occurred over the past year.
Meanwhile, the legal aid sub-council of Bangladesh Mahila Parishad, the anti-discrimination student movement, and various intelligence agencies have called for appropriate punishment following a proper investigation.
Furthermore, the Malaysian Embassy in Bangladesh has sent a letter to the university administration requesting the results of the investigation.
On September 25, Dr. Harun was accused of sexual harassment by a female Malaysian student studying at the university's veterinary faculty.
In response to the complaint, a five-member inquiry committee was established.
During the investigation, students at the university organized human chains and protest rallies to demand appropriate punishment for the accused professor after a thorough investigation.