JUST lecturer withdrawn from duties over ‘sexual harassment’ on study tour

The Jashore University of Science and Technology (JUST) administration has withdrawn a lecturer from all academic duties following allegations that he sexually harassed a female student during an academic tour to Cox’s Bazar.

According to a decision taken by the departmental academic committee, Lecturer Md Monirul Islam of the university’s Environmental Science department has also been barred from participating in or leading any future study tours involving students.

University Information Officer Md Nazmul Hossain confirmed the development today (14 May).

The university administration has additionally instructed its sexual harassment complaint committee to conduct a detailed investigation into the allegations and submit a report.

Earlier, the university formed a five-member fact-finding committee on 9 May to verify the allegations.

Although the committee was initially asked to submit its report within three days, it was later granted an additional two working days upon request.

Professor Dr Shirin Nigar, convener of the complaint committee, said the committee officially received the allegation through email on 12 May night.

“Since the university remains closed on Thursday and Friday, we will hold a meeting on Saturday and begin our work promptly based on evidence and necessary documents,” she said.

Chairman of the Environmental Science and Technology department, Professor Dr Gopal Chandra Ghosh, said the department had already submitted its written statement to the university authorities.

He confirmed that the accused lecturer has been temporarily suspended from all academic activities.

Allegation emerged after Cox’s Bazar tour

According to students, the incident took place during a study tour to Cox’s Bazar on 5 May involving second-year students of the department and several faculty members, including the accused lecturer.

Students alleged that the lecturer harassed a female student during the tour.

Although the allegation became known on campus after the group returned, students claimed no visible legal action was initially taken.

There were also allegations that efforts had been made to resolve the matter internally through a written undertaking from the accused.

The incident later triggered widespread criticism on social media, with current and former students demanding proper action from the university administration.

University authorities said further steps would be taken based on the findings of the investigation committee.