A college teacher in Jhenaidah on Wednesday has been temporarily suspended following allegations of sexual harassment and abuse brought by multiple female students.

The accused, Nazrul Islam, 49, is a lecturer in the Bangla department of MA Khalek Degree College in Sadar upazila.

The college authorities suspended him after receiving written complaints from at least 16 students, confirmed College Principal Md Oliar Rahman.

According to the complaints, Nazrul Islam had been harassing several female students for a long time by sending inappropriate messages to their mobile phones and making offensive remarks during in-person encounters. As his behaviour became widely known among students, multiple victims came forward, sparking widespread anger on campus.

One of the victims, requesting anonymity, told UNB, “I respected Nazrul Sir as a teacher, but he repeatedly sent adult messages on my phone. If I didn’t reply, he would make inappropriate remarks in person. He has done worse to several students. We want justice.”

Principal Oliar Rahman said the college took the matter seriously. “We have suspended him temporarily. As the allegations are grave, we have informed the Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO), who has assured us of appropriate action,” he said.

Nazrul Islam, however, denied the allegations, claiming his mobile phone was “hacked,” which allegedly caused the messages to be sent. When asked how a phone could remain hacked for four to five months, he abruptly ended the call.

Sadar UNO Hosne Ara said the college authorities had verbally informed her. “The allegations are serious. We have asked the college to submit the written complaints to the UNO office. Once received, we will take necessary legal steps. The district Secondary and Higher Education Office will also be notified.”