RU forms probe committee over alleged links to banned Awami League

Rajshahi University (RU) has formed a five-member inquiry committee to investigate allegations that several of its faculty members were involved in alleged covert activities linked to the banned Awami League and ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina.

The decision was announced in an office order signed by Acting Registrar Prof. Iftikharul Alam Masud on Wednesday night (August 5) and later confirmed by the university's Public Relations Office.

According to the order, the inquiry follows media reports and other information alleging that 404 teachers from 22 public universities maintained secret communications with Sheikh Hasina and the banned political party. Several Rajshahi University faculty members were named in those reports, prompting the university to initiate a formal investigation.

The committee is headed by Prof. Md. Rezaul Karim of the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. Members include Prof. Md. Golam Sadik (Pharmacy), Prof. Mohammad Amirul Islam (Biochemistry and Molecular Biology), and Prof. Md. Anisur Rahman (Zoology), while Prof. Md. Gias Uddin Ahmed of the Department of Agronomy and Agricultural Extension will serve as member secretary.

The university has instructed the committee to submit its findings at the earliest opportunity. If the allegations are substantiated, the accused faculty members could face disciplinary measures under university regulations, including compulsory retirement, dismissal, or termination.

Acting Registrar Prof. Masud said the committee has already been constituted under the leadership of a Syndicate member and will begin its work immediately.

The university noted that the inquiry is based on allegations and administrative concerns. The claims have not been proven through any judicial or university disciplinary process, and the investigation remains ongoing.