Pro-AL teacher released over 8 hours after being handed over to proctor

A faculty member of Chittagong University (CU), reportedly aligned with the Awami League, was released with administrative assistance last night after being confined at the university’s proctor’s office for about eight and a half hours.

Around 9:00pm, members of the proctorial body escorted the teacher to his residence in an official vehicle, our CU correspondent reports from the spot.

The incident occurred around noon when Hasan Muhammad Roman, an assistant professor in the university’s law department, was supervising the ‘B’ unit admission test for the 2025–26 academic session at Gallery 1.

According to multiple complaints received by the university administration, Roman had taken a stance against the quota reform movement in July 2024. The university subsequently formed an investigation committee, whose inquiry is still ongoing.

“A teacher known as an associate of fascism was performing admission test duty unethically,” said Sohanur Rahman, an executive member of the Chittagong University Central Students’ Union (Cucsu).

Sohanur said Cucsu leaders informed the dean’s office after learning of Roman’s presence on campus. When Roman became aware of the move, he attempted to flee the venue but was later taken to the proctor’s office.

Later in the evening, CU Pro-Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Shamim Uddin, members of the proctorial body and Cucsu representatives held discussions over the matter. Following the meeting, the administration decided to release the teacher and arranged transport to his home.

Meanwhile, the Nationalist Teachers’ Forum of Jahangirnagar University, in a statement, strongly condemned the incident.

Cucsu General Secretary Sayeed Bin Habib told reporters that various allegations had long existed against the teacher. He also alleged that Roman had harassed several students during the July movement.

“We had earlier demanded disciplinary action over these allegations, but the administration did not implement it,” he said.

He added that after Roman was found on campus yesterday, Cucsu leaders took him to the proctor’s office.

“Our representatives went to the police station to file a case, but the police said they were unable to take it. The administration later informed us that necessary action would be taken after the ongoing investigation is completed,” he said.

Cucsu Assistant General Secretary Ayubur Rahman Toufiq, however, said the manner in which the teacher was detained was not justifiable from a responsible position.

When contacted, CU Proctor Prof Dr Hossain Shahid Sarwardi declined to comment.