A professor at Shahjalal University of Science and Technology (SUST) has been accused of using his official university email to urge colleagues to vote for the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) symbol, the paddy sheaf, ahead of the 13th national parliamentary election. The accused, Dr. Rezwan Ahmed Shawon, is a mathematics professor and director of the university’s Computer and Information Center, as well as the organizational secretary of the SUST branch of the University Teachers Association of Bangladesh (UTAB). According to university sources, on February 7 he sent an email from the university domain using UTAB letterhead, calling for votes in favor of BNP.

Sources alleged that the professor misused access to institutional data under the Computer and Information Center, which holds information on all teachers, students, and staff. University regulations prohibit teachers from promoting political opinions or affiliating with political organizations. Several faculty members described the act as a clear violation of university law and ethics, urging authorities to investigate.

Vice-Chancellor (acting) Professor Sajedul Karim said he was unaware of the incident but confirmed that the university would investigate and take legal action if any law was breached.