Dhaka University (DU) Department of Mass Communication and Journalism finding prima facie evidence of sexual harassment and emotional abuse against Prof. Nadir Junaid, the matter has been referred to the University's Anti-Sexual Harassment Cell for further investigation and the University Syndicate has suspended Prof. Nadir from all administrative and academic activities until the investigation is completed.
The report of the inquiry committee was submitted at the university's syndicate meeting on Tuesday (May 7) evening. The report stated that the allegations of sexual harassment and emotional abuse against him were found to be prima facie true. Several syndicate sources confirmed this information on Tuesday night.
According to Syndicate sources, the fact finding committee constituted to investigate the allegations of sexual harassment and mental harassment against Prof. Nadir has submitted its inquiry report. It has been mentioned that the prima facie case has been found there. Based on the report, the matter has been referred to the University's Sexual Harassment Prevention Cell for further investigation. Professor Nadir has been relieved of all academic and administrative duties pending the conclusion of this investigation and the Sexual Harassment Prevention Cell has been given two months to investigate.
It is to be noted that the students of MCJ gave a three-day ultimatum to the university to report the progress of the investigation of the allegations brought against Professor Nadir in a press briefing last Monday morning. Syndicate sources said, "Professor Nadir Junaid has written to the Vice-Chancellor and Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Administration) of the University stating that the students are holding press briefings to put pressure on the University administration and the Syndicate."
Incidentally, on February 10 this year, a female student of the department complained of sexual harassment and emotional abuse against Professor Nadir. On February 11, another female student of the department accused him of covering up the incident of verbal sexual harassment. On February 28, a female student of a university in the capital also accused him of sexual harassment and emotional abuse. In view of the complaint, the University Syndicate formed a three-member fact-finding committee to look into the allegations of sexual harassment and a three-member fact-finding committee to look into the allegations of collapsing results on March 3 and asked them to submit a report within two weeks. Also, on February 7 this year, the students of the 12th batch of the department have accused Professor Nadir Junaid of collapsing due to personal anger.