Khulna University Suspends Teacher for Two Years Over Sexual Harassment Allegation

The administration of Khulna University has suspended Professor Dr Rubel Ansar of the Bengali Department for two years over allegations of sexual harassment brought by female students.

The decision was disclosed on Sunday through a letter issued by the university’s acting registrar, Professor Dr SM Mahbubur Rahman.

According to university sources, in August last year, a female student lodged a complaint accusing Professor Rubel Ansar of indecent behaviour, sexual harassment and proposing an unethical relationship. Shortly after, another female student from a different department submitted a similar allegation against him.

Following the complaints, the university formed a seven-member investigation committee to probe both allegations. On December 26, the university’s Sexual Harassment Prevention Center submitted two separate investigation reports to the committee.

Both reports were subsequently placed before the university’s 234th syndicate meeting, held on December 28, where they were formally adopted.

Registrar Professor Dr SM Mahbubur Rahman said that based on the committee’s recommendations, the syndicate decided to relieve Professor Rubel Ansar of responsibility in one allegation, while in the second allegation, he was found liable and suspended from all teaching, examination and administrative duties in the Bengali Department for the next two years.

Despite the suspension, the registrar confirmed that Professor Rubel Ansar will continue to receive his salary and other benefits during the suspension period, as per university rules.

When contacted for comment, Professor Rubel Ansar said he had received the official letter from the university and would respond to the matter later.

The incident has once again drawn attention to issues of sexual harassment in higher education institutions and the role of internal mechanisms in ensuring accountability and student safety.