SUST forms probe body to identify teachers 'involved in anti-state activities'

Shahjalal University of Science and Technology (SUST) has formed a six-member committee to investigate allegations that some of its teachers were involved in "secret anti-state activities" and to identify those who took part in suppressing the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement.

The university administration confirmed the formation of the committee through an office order signed by Registrar Syed Salim Mohammad Abdul Qadir today (9 August).

According to the order, recent media reports have alleged that teachers at various universities across the country were involved in secret activities deemed anti-state.

Against this backdrop, the university authorities formed the committee to investigate whether any SUST teachers were involved in such activities and submit a report without delay.

SUST Pro-Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr Sajedul Karim has been appointed convener of the committee, while Registrar Syed Salim Mohammad Abdul Qadir will serve as its member-secretary.

The other members are Treasurer Prof Dr Ismail Hossain, Head of the Department of Mathematics Prof Dr Md Ashraf Uddin, Professor of Anthropology Abul Fazal Mohammad Zakaria, and university legal adviser Advocate Mohammad Taj Uddin.

The committee has been instructed to investigate the involvement of SUST teachers based on the published reports and submit its findings promptly.

As part of its terms of reference, the committee will identify teachers allegedly involved in anti-state activities and recommend necessary legal and administrative measures against them.

It will also investigate whether any teachers, during the previous government, were directly or indirectly involved in threatening, intimidating or suppressing students during the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement.

The administration has instructed the committee to conduct the investigation with particular focus on such allegations and submit its report as soon as possible.