The Gopalganj Science and Technology University (GSTU) administration has permanently dismissed Fatema Khatun, an assistant professor at the Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering (EEE) over her alleged involvement in PhD scholarship related irregularities, violation of government service rules, and moral turpitude.
The decision was unanimously approved during the 43rd Regent Board meeting of the university held on June 23 last. The final decision was recently communicated via an official order signed by the university's Registrar, Md Enamuzzaman.
Fatema Khatun is the member secretary of a faction of Jatiyatabadi Teachers' Forum (White Panel).
University sources said PhD scholarship related irregularities were surfaced against her in April this year. Then the university administration formed a five-member committee to probe the allegations.
It was stated in the university's office order that the Fellowship Trust of the Ministry of Science and Technology raised a number of questions regarding her PhD fellowship in April this year.
Although Fatema Khatun joined the workplace after her study leave, she failed to submit her PhD completion date, supervisor's defense certificate, and clearance from the Fellowship Trust.
She did not provide any satisfactory response or explanation despite receiving multiple written letters from the university administration requesting the necessary documents.
Evidence of violating government service rules and moral turpitude in the investigation report were found against her.
A 5-member fact-finding committee investigated the allegations and found proof of government service rule violations and moral turpitude.
Along with her dismissal, she was directed to refund all salaries and financial benefits received from the university during her study leave, in accordance with official regulations.
A total of 16 other teachers were also dismissed during the same meeting.
END/CORRESPONDENT/ASA
