The Dhaka University (DU) authorities on Thursday formed a three-member high-level committee to investigate allegations that some university teachers were involved in secret activities against the state, and to determine and recommend appropriate action.

The committee is headed by DU Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Education) Professor Dr. Abdus Salam. The other two members are Professor Dr. Md. Mofazzal Hossain, Dean of the Faculty of Science, and Professor Dr. Mohammad Ikramul Haque, Dean of the Faculty of Law.

The committee had already begun its formal activities, said a press release signed by Mohammad Rafiqul Islam, Director of the university’s Public Relations Office.

Professor Dr. Mofazzal Hossain, a member of the committee, said that the committee had actually been formed some time ago. 

“We have not yet formally started the investigation process. We plan to sit down and discuss the matter next week,” he said.

According to the press release, the DU authorities recently took notice of news reports published in several media outlets. 

The reports alleged that 404 teachers from 22 universities across the country had been secretly working to bring ousted prime minister and fugitive death-row convict Sheikh Hasina back to the country and to rehabilitate and reactivate a political party whose activities have been banned. The media report claimed that 92 teachers from Dhaka University were directly involved in such activities.

The university administration said that, of the 92 teachers mentioned in the report, the names and identities of 58 have already been confirmed or identified. 

The investigation committee will examine the roles of the identified teachers and will also investigate any additional individuals whose names may emerge during the process.

After reviewing the matter comprehensively, the committee will submit necessary recommendations to the university authorities.