Dhaka, Jan. 12 -- Dhaka University has relieved Prof Golam Rabbani of his duties as chairman of the Department of Islamic History and Culture.

The decision was finalised on Monday evening by Vice-Chancellor Prof Niaz Ahmed Khan, confirmed Rafiqul Islam Panna, acting director of the university's public relations office.

Speaking to bdnews24.com, Panna said: "The decision was taken after the authorities took note of a legal opinion that a criminal case is currently pending against him at the CMM court."

He said Prof Siddiqur Rahman Khan, dean of the Faculty of Arts, has been appointed as the acting chairman of the department.

Prof Rabbani, a teacher of the department, had assumed the role of chairman based on seniority following the dea...