Begum Rokeya University, Rangpur (BRUR) Authorities have formed a five-member fact-finding committee to look into allegations that seven teachers of the university were involved in secret activities to support the return of ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
An office order signed by Registrar Dr Md Ferdous Rahman, was issued on Thursday night, confirming the formation of the committee.
Dr Md Tanziul Islam, an associate professor of the Department of Political Science, has been appointed convener of the committee, while Rehena Akter Moni, assistant registrar of the university’s Legal Cell, has been made member secretary.
The other members are Dr Md Moniruzzaman, associate professor of the Department of History and Archaeology; Dr Md Harun Al Rashid, associate professor of the Department of Chemistry; and Md Ataur Rahman, associate professor of the Department of Finance and Banking.
According to the office order, media reports recently claimed that 404 teachers from 22 public universities were allegedly maintaining secret communications with Hasina and leaders of Awami League, which faces a ban on its activities.
The names of several current and suspended teachers of BRUR also surfaced in the reports.
The committee was formed to verify whether any teacher of the university was involved in such activities.
The teachers named in the media reports include Associate Professor Asad Mondal of the Department of Public Administration, Dr Mashiur Rahman of the Department of Mathematics, Prof Dr Ayesha Akhter Ankhi and Prof Dr Md Zakir Hossain.
However, the reports did not mention the full names of other teachers, identifying them only by codes such as Z Uddin, Debu PK and SKB.
Among them, Asad Mondal and Mashiur Rahman have been suspended as they are accused in the Abu Sayed murder case filed over the July uprising.
Ferdous Rahman said the fact-finding committee was formed based on information published in the media.
“After receiving the committee’s report, an investigation committee will be formed. If anyone is found involved, necessary action will be taken following the decision of the disciplinary committee and the syndicate,” he said.
BRUR Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr Md Showkat Ali said the university administration will take action against anyone found involved in such activities. “No one involved will be spared. Legal action will be taken once the allegations are proven through investigation,” he added.