Rajshahi University has permanently dismissed Statistics Department professor Prabhas Kumar over sexual harassment and academic corruption. The decision was taken on Thursday evening at the university Syndicate’s 548th meeting, its policy-making forum. Vice-Chancellor Professor Faridul Islam confirmed the action on Sunday evening.

Acting Registrar Professor Iftikharul Alam Masud said two inquiry committees had been formed over allegations that Kumar sexually harassed a student and committed academic corruption. Both committees recommended his dismissal. A higher committee was subsequently formed under university rules, and the Syndicate approved the punishment based on its recommendation.

According to the university, Kumar was entitled to nominate a representative to the higher committee but did not do so, instead submitting written statements at different times. Allegations arose that he physically and mentally harassed a female student in his office on August 4 last year. After student protests, he was temporarily relieved of academic and administrative duties on September 9 last year.