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Rajshahi University has permanently dismissed a professor of statistics, Provash Kumar Karmokar, following findings that allegations of sexual harassment and academic misconduct against him were proven. The decision was made during the university's 548th syndicate meeting on Thursday evening. Acting Registrar Professor Iftikharul Alam Masud confirmed that multiple investigation committees were formed based on the complaints, and their recommendations led to the dismissal.

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Multiple investigation committees were formed based on the allegations against him [Provash]. As the allegations were found to be proven, he was permanently dismissed at the last syndicate meeting following the recommendations of the committees.

According to university authorities, two separate committees investigated claims that Professor Karmokar sexually harassed a student and engaged in academic misconduct. Masud stated that after the allegations were substantiated, the professor was asked to nominate a representative to defend himself. However, he allegedly attempted to delay the process by seeking access to investigation reports, which are considered confidential. The university proceeded with the dismissal after he failed to nominate a representative, following due procedure.

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Such reports are not shown without a court order as they may contain confidential information about several people. He was given an opportunity to nominate a representative, but he did not do so. Therefore, the decision was taken against him following due procedure.

Professor Karmokar vehemently denies all allegations, asserting they are false and fabricated, and claims a conspiracy against him. He told The Daily Star that he had not received any formal notification of the decision. He contends that the student did not initially file a complaint herself and that a complaint was lodged much later by another party. The professor insists he was denied his legal rights and a fair opportunity to defend himself, describing his trial as one-sided. He stated he repeatedly requested to nominate a representative but was not granted the opportunity, maintaining his innocence.

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I do not know anything about such a decision yet. I have not received any formal letter from the university. The allegations against me are completely false and fabricated. A conspiracy has been orchestrated against me.

University sources indicate that the allegations surfaced last August when a female student reportedly visited his office to inquire about attendance marks and exam preparation. The complaint alleges that the professor showed her examination questions as suggestions, then inappropriately touched her and made an indecent proposal. The student's mother submitted a written complaint to the department chairman on August 13 last year, initiating the investigation process.

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None of the investigation committees gave me the opportunity to exercise my legal rights. I repeatedly wrote to the concerned authorities seeking an opportunity to nominate a representative to defend myself, but they did not give me that opportunity. I was subjected to a one-sided trial. I am completely innocent.