Protests against IU Professor over allegations of homosexuality, misconduc
IU Correspondent
Students at Islamic University (IU) held a protest on October 22 demanding the permanent dismissal of Assistant Professor Hafizul Islam from the Department of Development Studies.
The demonstration began in front of the administrative building and ended at the Mir Mosharraf Hossain Academic Building, where students burned an effigy of the professor, throwing shoes at it.
The students accused Hafizul of supporting homosexuality and making inappropriate remarks toward female students during classes. They also claimed he pressured students to participate in student political activities, particularly from the ruling party, Bangladesh Awami League.
Slogans such as “Hafiz’s place will not be on this campus” and “We don’t want a homosexual teacher” were chanted during the rally. Participants expressed concerns over Hafizul’s alleged history of verbally harassing female students regarding their appearance and clothing.
A third-year student, Ashikur Islam, stated, “Hafizul regularly harasses students mentally. He has invited many to his home with inappropriate proposals. We demand his permanent expulsion.”
The university administration had previously formed a five-member investigation committee on October 8, tasked with submitting a report within ten working days. The committee has already heard complaints from students and collected testimonies from faculty members, with a final report expected soon.
