Bangladesh Medical University has cancelled the lifetime appointment of Professor Dr ABM Abdullah as emeritus professor and directed him to return all salaries and allowances received under the position.
The decision was announced in an office order signed by Registrar Professor Dr Md Mostafa Kamal yesterday (24 June).
According to the order, the university’s 92nd Syndicate budget session on 20 June 2024 amended the “Emeritus Professor Appointment Ordinance” following a proposal raised by a member outside the meeting agenda. At the same meeting, Dr Abdullah was appointed as emeritus professor for life.
The university said both decisions were irregular and not in compliance with existing rules. As a result, the syndicate’s decision to grant Dr Abdullah a lifetime emeritus professorship has been revoked.
The order also instructed him to return all honoraria and other financial benefits received under the position from the date of the syndicate decision. The directive takes immediate effect.
Abdullah calls decision ‘unjust and unreasonable’
Speaking to The Business Standard, Dr Abdullah described the cancellation of his emeritus status and the demand to return the honorarium as “unjust and unreasonable”.
“Those who issued this notice have unfairly revoked a position of honour. It is in no way acceptable. Not only that, but they have also asked me to return the small honorarium I received. I did not loot crores of taka; this is not looted money,” he said.
Dr Abdullah said he had spent five decades serving patients with integrity and had contributed extensively to medical education through books and academic work recognised both at home and abroad.
“Allah has given me much honour. I have contributed to international publications and received numerous awards and recognitions. No one can take away my reputation. Cancelling this position does not affect me personally; rather, those who made such a decision have only belittled themselves,” he said.
Expressing frustration over the order to return the honorarium, he said the money had not been obtained improperly and that he had never knowingly committed any wrongdoing.
“I will return the few thousand taka if necessary. I have countless patients, students and colleagues who respect me, and patients who love me. People know my contributions to medicine and education. The entire matter has been handled unfairly and unreasonably, and the public can see that,” he added.
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