PSTU Prof Santosh Kumar Basu suspended

The authorities of Patuakhali Science and Technology University (PSTU) have suspended Horticulture Professor Santosh Kumar Basu over allegations brought against him over his role during the July uprising.

Basu held nine different positions simultaneously, including registrar and proctor.

The university authorities issued an official order signed by PSTU Registrar Prof Dr Md Iktiar Uddin last night.

Additionally, Basu has been asked to submit a written explanation within 10 working days clarifying why he should not be permanently dismissed.

According to the official order, while serving as the university's proctor during the July revolution, Basu allegedly threatened to kill 5,000 residential students in support of the ruling Awami League government.

His statement was widely circulated on social media as well as in print and electronic media, causing public outrage. Furthermore, he has been accused of misbehaving with students and forcefully evicting them from dormitories. He also threatened the students by claiming to have reports from DGFI and NSI, said the order.

The teacher has been suspended following the allegations, it added.

If he fails to provide a satisfactory response, further action will be taken against him under university regulations, the order added.

Contacted, Basu told The Daily Star, "I will submit my written statement to the authorities within the given time period. I am not interested in speaking to the media about this issue."