Dr. Abdullah Al Mamun (left) and Md Jahangir Alam (right)
An allegation of a fraudulent tenure case has emerged at Dhaka University (DU), that Dr. Abdullah Al Mamun, associate professor of Department of Japanese Studies manipulated research publication dates with a journal editor’s help to retain seniority, violating university policies.
Md Jahangir Alam, associate professor of Department of Japanese Studies and a supporter of Awami League backed DU's 'Nil Dal' disseminated this information via an e-mail on Tuesday (March 18).
Dr. Abdullah Al Mamun, Provost of Salimullah Muslim Hall and Convener of Provost Standing Committee, told The Daily Observer, "The allegation against me is false. Jahangir Alam was dismissed for being accused of illegally admitting three Chhatra League leaders to Professional Master's program without exams. He believes I was behind his dismissal, which is why he is doing this on purpose."
He sent the Daily Observer's DU correspondent a part of Syndicate's minutes from November 29, 2021, via WhatsApp, saying, "You can clearly see here that the DOI was instructed to be submitted after March 2023. My promotion, however, happened in February. The DOI is provided by the journal. Not everyone can create a DOI just by wanting to."
A memorandum signed by Mohammad Delwar Hossain, Deputy Registrar (Administration-1), on December 9, 2021, stated that any journal publication submitted without a Digital Object Identifier (DOI) would not be accepted, as per the committee’s recommendations from various meetings. This rule became effective after June 30, 2023.
According to university regulations, faculty members seeking tenure confirmation must publish a Digital Object Identifier (DOI) registered research paper within one year of promotion. The publication's issue, volume, or month is irrelevant; the primary requirement is its publication within the probationary period.
Dr. Mamun, promoted on February 22, 2022, was required to submit a published paper by February 22, 2023. However, evidence suggests that he failed to meet this deadline and subsequently manipulated records to avoid losing seniority.
The timeline of fraud
Last year, on May 29, tenure confirmation committee meeting revealed that Dr. Mamun’s paper had not been published within the required timeframe. Instead, he had submitted an acceptance letter from Social Science Review, which did not fulfill the university’s criteria. As a result, he was ranked junior to two other faculty members who had successfully published their papers on time.
Facing demotion, Dr. Mamun allegedly collaborated with the editor of Journal of Governance, Security & Development to backdate an online publication. The research paper in question was purportedly published on January 1, 2023, but a metadata analysis suggests otherwise. Evidence shows that he only applied for a DOI on June 1, 2023, and the paper was uploaded online on the same day; over three months past the deadline.
DOI metadata exposes discrepancies
The DOI system is designed to prevent publication date fraud, as metadata records accurately log submission, registration, and publication dates. A closer examination of metadata records and hard-copy versions of the journal revealed multiple discrepancies:
Mismatch in page numbers; online version (1–19) and printed version (31–54) of the journal do not align, indicating irregular DOI registration processes.
In this regard, Dr. Abdullah Al Mamun told The Daily Observer, "No one takes a DOI personally. It is taken by journal authorities. They manage what will be on any page. I know they have given it to me correctly."
Delayed DOI registration
If Dr. Mamun’s paper was indeed published on January 1, 2023, he should have submitted it before the May 29, 2023, tenure meeting. However, metadata confirms that DOI registration only took place on June 1, 2023, proving that the paper was unavailable before this date.
Hard copy printed after DOI registration
The printed journal carries the same DOI number as the online version, confirming that printing occurred only after the DOI was assigned on June 1, 2023.
Allegations of a broader fraud network
University officials and faculty members have raised concerns that Dr. Mamun may not be the only individual involved in such malpractice. Sources suggest that he has helped other faculty members secure fraudulent DOI registrations by backdating research publications. If proven, this could expose a systemic issue within the university’s academic promotion process.
But Dr. Abdullah Al Mamun told the Daily Observer, "This is absolutely false. I will take legal action against these."
Call for investigation and accountability
This case has sparked outrage within the academic community, with many demanding strict action. Md. Jahangir Alam has formally called for a comprehensive investigation. He urges the university to take immediate action to restore the rightful seniority of faculty members who followed ethical practices.
On February 18, amid ongoing student protests, the university reinstated Jahangir Alam, suspended chairman of Japanese Studies Department, in academic activities. This followed an order on February 5 for him to step down due to allegations of admitting three Chhatra League leaders to Professional Master's program without an entrance exam, leading to the formation of an inquiry committee on February 6.
Dr. Abdullah Al Mamun told the Daily Observer, "I believe that based on the preliminary report of the fact-finding committee, although he was reinstated for academic work, he has been kept away from all administrative activities of the department. He no longer holds the position of chairman. Perhaps that teacher thought that since I am a teacher with a differing viewpoint, I can contribute to that position. It is under the influence of that thought that this issue of the article has been brought forward in such a visual manner to tarnish my image."
He complained to The Daily Observer that Associate Professor Jahangir Alam did election as the joint-convener of Blue Group. Being a pro-Awami teacher, he opposed the movement until August 4th of the previous year. Despite much persuasion, he could not be convinced to issue a statement.
Dr. Abdullah Al Mamun, one of the ten DU teachers who contributed to the July Uprising, believes himself to be just that.
It is noteworthy that when Abdullah Al Mamun was called on March 18 to inquire about the matter, he avoided the issue by citing a meeting. Later, Dhaka Reporters' Unity called The Daily Observer office and subtly urged not to publish the news.
As University of Dhaka prides itself on academic excellence, this incident underscores the urgent need for transparency and strict enforcement of tenure policies to preserve its integrity.
