The Bangladesh Medical University (BMU) authorities today (27 June) declined to answer questions regarding the cancellation of the lifetime appointment of Dr ABM Abdullah as an emeritus professor and the recent directive ordering him to return all salary and allowances received under the appointment.
The issue has sparked widespread criticism on social media over the past two days.
The matter was raised by The Business Standard during a press conference in the university's Milton Hall, organised to present BMU's budget for the 2026-27 fiscal year.
Responding to the question, BMU Treasurer Prof Dr Nahreen Akhtar said, "We will not answer any questions beyond the budget discussion today. You may contact the administration separately on this matter later."
When asked when the university administration will officially comment on the issue, she did not respond.
Unlike previous years, Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr FM Siddiqui was not present at the budget briefing, even though he was listed as a participant in the invitation letter sent to journalists and on the event's backdrop.
Asked about the VC's absence, Nahreen said he was attending another meeting.
Following the budget presentation, Nahreen and Khandakar Shafiqul Hasan Ratan, director of finance and accounts, answered questions from journalists, but declined to discuss the controversy surrounding Dr Abdullah's appointment.
BMU cancelled the lifetime appointment of Dr ABM Abdullah as emeritus professor and directed him to return all salaries and allowances received under the position, announcing the decision was in an office order signed by Registrar Professor Dr Md Mostafa Kamal on 24 June.
According to the order, the university's 92nd Syndicate budget session on 20 June 2024 amended the "Emeritus Professor Appointment Ordinance" following a proposal raised by a member outside the meeting agenda. At the same meeting, Dr Abdullah was appointed as an emeritus professor for life.
The university said both decisions were irregular and not in compliance with existing rules. As a result, the syndicate's decision to grant Dr Abdullah a lifetime emeritus professorship has been revoked.
The order also instructed him to return all honoraria and other financial benefits received under the position from the date of the syndicate decision.
BMU / lifetime appointment / Dr ABM Abdullah
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