JU teacher fired for sexual harassment

The Jahangirnagar University authority has terminated Mahmudur Rahman Jony, assistant professor at the Department of Public Health and Informatics, on charges of sexual harassment.

"A syndicate meeting held on Tuesday and chaired by Vice-Chancellor Professor Nurul Alam made the decision," Registrar Abu Hasan told the media after the meeting.

He said the decision was taken after reviewing the investigation report of the committee formed by the syndicate.

Activists hailed the decision amid their ongoing movement, calling for the safety of all students on the campus.

Professor Golam Rabbani, a prominent figure in the ongoing campaign against harassment, said, "The syndicate's decision marks a milestone for our ongoing movement. It has somewhat alleviated the stigma that was attached to our university." 

Finally, he added, the demands of both teachers and students have been acknowledged after a long time.

JU Chhatra Union Convener Alif Mahmud lauded the decision made by the syndicate and said, "Everyone involved in harassment must be held accountable."

On 21 November, allegations of sexual harassment surfaced against Jony, made by a student of his department. Additionally, he was accused of forcing another student of the department into having an abortion after engaging in a relationship with her. 

Later, a probe committee formed in the wake of the teacher-student movement conducted an investigation, and the allegations were substantiated, resulting in his termination