The Islamic University (IU) in Kushtia has dismissed Assistant Professor Hafizul Islam from the Department of Development Studies following months of student protests over allegations of misconduct.
An office order signed by Acting Registrar Professor Dr Manjurul Haque was issued on Sunday, stating that the decision was made under section 4(1)(F) of the Islamic University Employees’ Efficiency and Discipline Rules during the 268th syndicate meeting held on May 31. The dismissal is effective from May 31, 2025, to maintain peace and discipline on campus.
Earlier, in December 2024, the 266th syndicate meeting had cancelled one of Hafizul’s annual increments and placed him on one year of compulsory leave based on an investigation into student complaints. However, continued protests led to a comprehensive new investigation initiated during the 267th syndicate meeting in February 2025.
The final decision to dismiss him came after the investigation committee concluded that his actions seriously violated university disciplinary rules. Students had organised multiple demonstrations, including human chains, department lockouts, blocking university entrances, and burning effigies, demanding his removal.
They accused Hafizul Islam of making inappropriate and offensive remarks toward female students, using abusive language, threatening to lower grades or fail students, making demeaning comments about students’ attire, mentally harassing students, and promoting controversial views in class.
