Khulna University of Engineering and Technology (KUET) in Bangladesh has dismissed seven employees, including three Hindu teachers and two Hindu staff members. The decision comes amid reports of attacks on Hindu families, raising renewed concerns over minority safety and protection.
Khulna University of Engineering and Technology (KUET) in Bangladesh has dismissed seven employees, including Hindu teachers and staff members, following investigations into alleged disciplinary violations, recruitment irregularities and other misconduct. The decision has drawn attention amid continuing reports of attacks on Hindu minority communities in different parts of the country.
According to reports published in Bangladeshi media, the decision was taken at the university’s 115th Syndicate meeting. KUET Registrar Engineer Md Anichur Rahman Bhuiyan confirmed that five teachers and two other employees had been dismissed following investigations into allegations against them.
The dismissed teachers include Professor Dr. Pintu Chandra Shil of the Computer Science and Engineering (CSE) Department, Professor Dr. Subrata Talapatra of the Industrial Engineering and Management (IEM) Department, Assistant Professor Nibir Mondal of the Energy Science and Engineering Department, Professor Dr. Masrura Mostafa and Assistant Professor Shahriar Roman of the Humanities and Business Department.
The other two employees are Deputy Registrar Nimai Chandra Mistry and office assistant Satyajit Kumar Dutta.
University authorities said the dismissals followed investigations into allegations involving violations of university regulations, submission of false experience certificates, age-related irregularities during recruitment and other alleged misconduct.
All seven employees had reportedly remained under temporary suspension for an extended period while the investigations were conducted. Following the inquiries, the university sought explanations from several employees. Some submitted their responses, while others reportedly did not.
The university’s syndicate subsequently decided unanimously to dismiss the seven employees. The registrar said the decision was taken after reviewing the allegations and the findings of the investigations. The university’s stated grounds for dismissal were disciplinary and recruitment-related; available reports have not established religious discrimination as the reason for the action.
The development comes amid renewed concerns over the safety and security of religious minorities, particularly Hindus, in Bangladesh following several reported incidents of violence.
In a separate incident earlier this week, a 43-year-old Hindu salon owner, identified as Rabendra Rishi, was allegedly stabbed to death in Bhaluka upazila of Mymensingh district. According to local media reports, the incident occurred on Tuesday evening after an argument over a request for a haircut on credit.
The accused, identified as 26-year-old Saddam, allegedly attacked Rishi with a sharp weapon, inflicting injuries to his chest and neck. Police subsequently arrested the accused and sought a five-day remand for further interrogation. The victim’s body was recovered and handed over to his family following an autopsy, according to reports quoting local police officials.
In another incident, three houses belonging to Hindu families were vandalised and looted in Chak Karimpur village of Pirganj upazila in Rangpur district on October 26.
The affected houses belonged to three brothers, Bishu Chandra Mohanta, Jagadish Chandra Mohanta and Dinesh Chandra Mohanta. The attack reportedly followed allegations concerning a social media post that had offended religious sentiments.
According to a report published by The Daily Star, the attackers damaged household furniture, televisions, doors and other belongings. Two goats were also reportedly stolen from Bishu Chandra Mohanta’s house. Family members described the incident as frightening, with some fleeing their homes to protect themselves.
Police subsequently arrested individuals in connection with the cases relating to the alleged social media offence and the attack on the houses. Authorities also initiated investigations into the vandalism and looting.
Bangladesh’s Awami League condemned the attack on the Hindu families, stating that minority communities had faced continuing insecurity since August 2024.
The party stressed that allegations of religious insult should never justify mob violence, looting, intimidation or collective punishment. It also called for due legal process for accused individuals and equal protection under the law for every citizen.
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The recent incidents have once again brought attention to minority security, law enforcement and the protection of religious communities in Bangladesh. Calls for impartial investigations, accountability and effective protection of vulnerable families have become increasingly important amid the reported incidents.
Ensuring equal treatment, safeguarding religious freedom and preventing violence against minority communities remain significant challenges for maintaining peace, public confidence and social harmony in Bangladesh.
