Protests were held against these teachers on multiple occasions. At one point, the university administration formed "fact-finding committees," suspending these teachers from academic activities. However, even after several months, the accused teachers have not been able to return to their classes.

During last year’s demonstrations, law enforcement agencies, along with Awami League supporters, repeatedly attacked the protesters. These teachers are accused of attempting to discredit the student-led movement instead of standing by the persecuted students. 

Students claim that while some university teachers provided guidance and support to the protesters, another group openly opposed the movement. These teachers allegedly posted controversial statements on social media and even threatened to “destroy” students’ careers.

Escalation of protests

The DU campus, which had been shut down indefinitely due to the movement, reopened on September 22. Afterwards, students actively protested against these controversial teachers, calling for their boycott in various departments. 

Continuous demonstrations led to the temporary removal of these teachers from classes and exams, with the formation of fact-finding committees. However, even after seven months, the teachers have not been reinstated. Some of the committees have submitted their reports, but no final decisions have been made yet.

Boycotted teachers

The teachers students have protested against include: 

Law department: Professors Dr Md Rahmat Ullah and Dr Jamila A Chowdhury, and lecturers Md Azhar Uddin Bhuiyan and Shahrima Tanjin Arni.

Business faculty: At least 13 teachers, including professors Dr Md Mizanur Rahman and Dr Md Abul Kalam Azad (Marketing); professors Dr Sumon Das, Dr Sabnam Jahan and Dr Md Mosharraf Hossain (Management); Associate Prof Md Khaled Bin Amir (Banking and Insurance); Prof Dr Md Afjal Hossain and Associate Prof Samshad Nowreen (Tourism and Hospitality Management); Prof Dr Sheikh Tanzila Deepty (Finance); professors Dr Mahmuda Akter and Dr Md Musfiqur Rahman, associate professors Dr Mohammad Moniruzzaman and Dr Md Jamil Sharif (Accounting and Information Systems).

Social science faculty: Associate professors Dr Mamun Al Mostofa and Md Monirul Islam (Political Science); professors Dr Mashiur Rahman, Dr Zeenat Huda, Dr Abul Kashem Mohammad Jamal Uddin and Dr Sadeka Halim (Sociology); professors Dr Saber Ahmed Chowdhury, Dr Md Rafiqul Islam (Rafiq Shahariar) and Maria Hussain (Peace and Conflict Studies); Prof Mohammad Bellal Hossain (Population Sciences); lecturers Sumaiya Iqbal and ABM Najmus Sakib (Criminology); Prof Dr Sadik Hasan (Public Administration); and Prof Dr Muhammad Shahadat Hossain Siddiquee (Economics).

Arts faculty: Prof Baitullah Quaderee (Bangla), who is still facing protests; Prof Saiful Islam (Theatre and Performance Studies); Prof Mohammad Zahidul Islam, assistant professors Quazi Farjana Afrin, Zahidul Islam Sana and Mohammad Imaul Huq Sarkar (Titu) (Islamic Studies); Prof Dr Md Mahmudul Islam (Urdu); Lecturer Md Rakibul Hasan (Pali and Buddhist Studies); and professors Dr Abdul Bashir and Dr Md Abdur Rahim (Islamic History & Culture).

Philosophy department: Prof Mst Rebeka Sultana and Associate Prof Mandira Chowdhury have voluntarily withdrawn from all academic activities for ongoing batches due to protests.

Biological sciences faculty: Prof Dr Md Harunor Rashid Khan (Soil, Water and Environment); Prof Dr Md Kamal Uddin (Psychology); Prof Dr Mohammad Azmal Hossain Bhuiyan (Botany); Prof Dr Mohammad Shamsur Rahman (Fisheries).

Mathematics department: Prof Dr Chandra Nath Podder.

Nuclear engineering department: Professors Dr Afroza Shelley and Dr Md Shafiqul Islam.

Institute of Education and Research: Professors Dr M Wahiduzzaman and Dr Muhammed Mahbubur Rahaman.

Institute of Health Economics: Assistant Prof Fariha Kadir and Lecturer Muhammad Ihsan-Ul-Kabir.

Fine arts faculty: Prof Md Robiul Islam (Ceramics) and another teacher from art history.

Students demand strict punishment

Students demand the highest punishment for these teachers due to their alleged opposition to the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement. 

Maruf Hasan Shaheen, a resident student of Kabi Jasimuddin Hall, said: “I believe many of these teachers ultimately sided with fascists. Senior teachers should be forced into retirement and stripped of all university benefits. If they received any extra privileges, as fraudulent freedom fighters did in the past, those should be revoked. If they benefited financially, their assets should be reclaimed. 

“As for junior teachers like lecturers, if they threatened students at the departmental level, they should face disciplinary action according to university rules. If students wish to take legal action, the university administration should assist them."

Another student, Imran, said it was unacceptable for teachers at the country’s top university to harbour authoritarian tendencies and behave oppressively towards the masses. 

“This is disappointing for society and a disgrace for DU. The administration must ensure exemplary punishment so that no teacher dares to repeat such actions in the future," he added.

Administration’s response

When asked about administrative actions against these teachers, Proctor Saifuddin Ahmed said the administration had received reports from several fact-finding committees, which would soon be placed before the syndicate. 

“The syndicate has a backlog of matters, but some decisions regarding this issue might be made in the upcoming session. If necessary, an investigation committee will be formed based on the fact-finding reports. We are following due process."

Regarding the delay in decision-making, he added that the administration must adhere to proper procedures to ensure justice. 

He continued: “Rushing decisions can lead to legal loopholes, as seen when some teachers avoided consequences by securing High Court orders. 

“Our committees are handling multiple responsibilities, and some of the committee heads, like the vice-chancellor and pro-VC, are engaged in other duties as well. This is why the process is taking time."

While the exact number of teachers still barred from classes is unclear, the proctor confirmed it was around 50 to 60.

Meanwhile, DU Pro-VC (Academic) Dr Mamun Ahmed said investigations were underway, adding that a resolution would come soon. “Multiple committees are working on this matter, and decisions will be made through the syndicate based on their reports."