Rajshahi University (RU) has permanently suspended Associate Professor Sadiqul Islam Sagar of the Department of Law after allegations of sexual harassment against him were proven. The decision was taken at the university syndicate’s 545th meeting on Tuesday (January 6).
University Registrar Professor Dr. Iftikharul Alam Masud confirmed the matter, stating that Sadiqul Islam Sagar, who had earlier been placed under temporary suspension, has now been permanently removed from service. As per dismissal rules, he will not be entitled to any pension or other government benefits.
According to university sources, a 17-member investigation committee was formed to probe the allegations, led by Professor Dr. Sayeeda Anju, chairman of the Department of Law. Other members included Professor Abdul Alim, Professor Shahin Zohora, Professor Salma Akhter, and Professor Peter. In addition, 12 students—one male and one female representative from each of six batches of the law department—were included in the committee.
Following the investigation, the committee found the allegations to be substantiated and submitted the necessary evidence. Based on its findings, the university authorities decided to permanently dismiss Sadiqul Islam Sagar, who had been under temporary suspension.
The university administration said that after the initial inquiry into the sexual harassment allegations, the committee recommended disciplinary action against the accused teacher. Subsequently, in line with university regulations, another inquiry committee was formed under Section 55(3) of the Rajshahi University Act, 1973. The syndicate took its final decision based on the recommendations of that committee.
Earlier, after the July 2024 mass uprising and the fall of the Awami League government, allegations of sexual harassment were raised against Sadiqul Islam Sagar. Following the accusations, students of the law department staged several protests. After the investigation committee found the allegations to be true, the university suspended him from academic and administrative duties on October 1 that year.