University of Dhaka
Controversy Erupts Over Persian Department Recruitment
Institute of Modern Languages, University of Dhaka
A controversy has intensified over the appointment of a part-time teacher in the Persian Department at the Institute of Modern Languages, Dhaka University.
Sources concerned allege that although internationally renowned professors applied for the post, efforts are underway to appoint the director of an alleged illegal Bangladesh branch of Iran’s Jamia Al Mustafa University, an institution accused of involvement in human trafficking of women.
The department is appointing part-time teachers without issuing any advertisement. One of the applicants is Dr. Main Uddin, a director of Al Jamia Al Mustafa University. He holds a PhD and MPhil in mathematics from Jahangirnagar University. He also studied religious sciences in Qom, Iran, but reportedly holds no notable degree in language or literature.
Allegations have been made that Al Mustafa University, which has reportedly operated covertly in Bangladesh for around 15 years, has been involved in converting female students from Sunni to Shia and sending them to Iran. A legal notice was previously sent to the University Grants Commission (UGC) seeking closure of the university’s illegal branch by Dr. Samiul Haque Sarkar, a complainant who claims to have been affected by the institution.
In his complaint to the UGC, Dr. Samiul Haque Sarkar said he obtained a PhD from the university in 2019. He later returned to Bangladesh and joined the illegal branch as a part-time professor. After some time, he realized that the authorities and teachers of the branch lacked religious knowledge and that their claimed qualifications did not match reality. He also alleged that the branch has been operating secretly for 14 years by concealing information from the government.
Samiul further said that selected young women were being sent to Iran through the branch. He also expressed suspicion over possible links to extremist activities.
The legal notice stated that the operation constitutes a human trafficking network, arguing that no free accommodation or meals were ever provided to any male student, raising further suspicion.
The complaint also included allegations that Zinat Ferdous, sister of the branch in-charge Ashraf, is involved in so-called ‘mutah marriage’ contractual relationships with influential Iranian clerics.
A senior university official has sent a special recommendation letter supporting Dr. Main Uddin’s appointment. Allegations have also been raised against acting director Dr. Absar Kamal for refusing to process the extension application of internationally renowned academic Dr. Abu Musa Mahmud Arif Billah as a part-time teacher.
Dr. Mumin Al Rashid, Chairman of the Persian Language and Literature Department, said students of Persian language and literature across three universities work hard to secure top positions, often sacrificing other job opportunities to pursue higher studies in Iran or Bangladesh.
He added that they conduct research to build their expertise and aspire to become teachers in the field, but many remain unemployed due to a lack of job opportunities.
Dr. Al Rashid further said that, out of responsibility toward these students, he believes institutions related to Persian language and literature should create both part-time and full-time employment opportunities. He particularly emphasized that students of these disciplines should be prioritized in recruitment at Dhaka University, Rajshahi University, and Chittagong University.
He warned that otherwise, students of Persian language and literature would become increasingly frustrated, and faculty members would face constant scrutiny from students.
Dr. Main Uddin rejected the allegations of human trafficking, calling them baseless and false.
“We have been here for a long time, since 2008–09. There is no such issue,” he said.
Regarding his academic background, he said, “I completed a nine-month Persian course in Iran and have translated 40 books and written many articles. I have no shortcomings. I have translated books across language and literature fields.”
Another applicant for the same position, former Chairman of the Persian and Urdu Language Department at Dhaka University, Professor Dr. Abu Musa Mohammad Arif Billah, said he had applied during the tenure of the Nijaz Ahmed Khan administration but was later sidelined.
He said he was later appointed for six months through the intervention of Nijaz Ahmed Khan after his qualifications were reviewed, but his contract extension is now being blocked. He alleged that the same syndicate is again active against him.
He further said he remains hopeful that the Institute of Modern Languages authority will consider his experience as a visiting professor in reputed universities in England, Iran, South Korea, and China to strengthen the Persian Department, which he described as currently weakened.
Acting Director of the Institute of Modern Languages, Dr. Absar Kamal, said anyone can apply for the post and the administration cannot prevent applications. He indicated that the allegations would be examined.
Regarding Dr. Abu Musa Mohammad Arif Billah, he said the applicant is overqualified and should be assigned to higher-level academic courses.
