BMU cancels emeritus professor appointment of Dr ABM Abdullah

The Bangladesh Medical University (BMU) has cancelled the emeritus professor appointment of prominent physician Dr ABM Abdullah, and demanded the refund of all relevant payments since the June 2024 appointment.

BMU Registrar Dr Md Mostofa Kamal announced the cancellation in an office order on Wednesday, citing irregularities in the appointment process.

However, Dr ABM Abdullah alleged in a video message alleged that the appointment was cancelled out of “vengeance” as he had once provided his services to ousted dictator Sheikh Hasina.

He clarified that he treated the chief of Awami League, now a banned political party, but has not been involved with any political activities.

It is also unbecoming of the authorities to demand the return of government payments worth merely Tk10-15 thousand per year over the course of two years, Dr Abdullah claimed.

The claim of irregular appointment process is also “absurd,” as such a prestigious appointment requires a five-stage vetting.

In its order, BMU stated that a syndicate member proposed the amendment to the “Emeritus Professor Appointment Ordinance” by placing the matter beyond the agenda under discussion during the 92nd budget session held on 20 June 2024.

In the same session, Dr ABM Abdullah was appointed as the Emeritus Professor, in breach of regulations.