BANGLADESH

The University Grants Commission has formed a probe committee to investigate allegations of harassment brought against North South University's trustee board chief Mohammad Shajahan by their teacher Nashid Kamal.

The four-strong committee headed by its convenor, UGC member professor Atful Hye Shibly, would also probe accusations of corruption against the university's authorities.

UGC member professor Abul Hashem, director Shamsul Alam and an official Durga Rani Sarkar will man the probe.

"Allegations has been received that one of the teachers has been sexually harassed by an owner of the North South University. The committee will probe the accusation," Shibly told on Sunday night.

"Besides, the work to probe the corruption charges against the university authorities will soon start."

Nashid Kamal, a teacher of the university's public health department, on Saturday sent a letter to UGC accusing Shajahan of harassing her. Shibly confirmed that she has filed a written complaint against the trustee board chief.

Meanwhile, a teacher of the university, on condition of anonymity, told : "The university authorities have held an emergency meeting with deans and members of all faculties on Sunday in the wake of the current situation. University's vice-chancellor professor Hafiz G A Siddiqi and trustee board chief Mohammad Shajahan were present there."

However, when contacted, the vice chancellor declined to talk to journalists claiming that he is not well.

"Nashid Kamal wants to be the chairperson of the public health department. Since the matter was not approved in the board meeting, she is making false accusations against me. I have always respected her like an elder sister," Shajahan claimed to refuting the allegations.

Nashid Kamal could not be reached over phone for her comments.