The Chittagong University (CU) administration on Saturday escorted Hasan Mohammad Roman, a teacher accused of being “pro-Awami League,” back to his residence after he had been held by student leaders for nearly nine hours, sparking tensions across the campus.

The incident unfolded during the university’s admission examinations. Around noon, leaders of the Chittagong University Central Students’ Union (CUCSU) forcibly brought the assistant professor from the Law Department to the proctor’s office, reportedly over allegations linking him to the Bangladesh Chhatra League (BCL), the student wing of the ruling Awami League, and supposed involvement in anti-student activities.

Later in the evening, at 7pm, Prof Roman was taken to the office of the Pro-Vice Chancellor (Academic), Prof Mohammed Shamim Uddin Khan, for a meeting with the pro-vice chancellor, Proctor Hossain Shaid Shohrowardy, and CUCSU leaders.

Despite attempts by CUCSU Assistant Welfare Secretary Jannatul Ferdous Rita to prevent his departure, the administration moved him safely to his residence at 9pm in a proctorial vehicle.

Prof Roman strongly denied all allegations. “The screenshots shown about drugs are not mine,” he said. Responding to claims linking him with the BCL, he said, “They contacted me. I did not reach out to them myself. I was not involved in any activities against the July Uprising.”

CUCSU leaders, however, defended their actions. Law and Human Rights Secretary Fazle Rabbi said they had attempted to file a case at Hathazari Police Station, but were told senior official approval was required. General Secretary Sayeed Bin Habib accused Prof Roman of historically bringing students into conflicts and filing cases against them during the previous government.

Assistant General Secretary Ayyubur Rahman Toufiq noted that the incident “raises questions about sudden activism on Roman’s case, while other appointment irregularities went unchallenged.”

The Hathazari Police Chief, Md Jahidur Rahman, confirmed that no case had been formally filed against Prof Roman. Proctor Shaid Shohrowardy, however, said that a case exists and emphasised, “We ensured his safety while letting him go, as the proctorial body cannot impose punishment.”

The incident has drawn strong condemnation from outside the university. The Jahangirnagar University Nationalist Teachers’ Forum denounced the harassment, stating that “public humiliation, physical harassment, or creating an environment of fear for a teacher in a higher education institution directly undermines the country’s overall education system.”

The forum called for disputes to be resolved “only through law, administrative investigation, and proper procedures,” warning that “mob justice” is never acceptable.

Chittagong University has a long history of student activism, with campus politics often reflecting broader national tensions. Allegations against teachers perceived as aligned with political parties have occasionally led to confrontations with student bodies.

In recent years, accusations of partisanship, irregular appointments, and links to student wings of political parties have intensified campus disputes, sometimes escalating into prolonged standoffs or legal actions.

The case of Prof Roman reflects this volatile mix of politics, student activism, and administrative challenges, raising questions about the balance between student activism, teacher safety, and institutional governance.

The incident highlights the persistent struggle at public universities in Bangladesh to maintain a safe and professional academic environment while navigating politically charged campus politics.