Dhaka: The High Court on Wednesday issued a rule asking the Dhaka University authorities to explain as to why the decision of expelling Dr Shahadat Hossain of the Sociology Department should not be declared illegal.

On March 6 last, DU authorities took a decision to expel Dr Shahadat Hossain for sexually harassing two female students of his department.

An HC bench comprising Justice Tariq ul Hakim and Justice M Faruque passed the order after primarily hearing a petition filed by Dr Shahadat Hossain.

DU Vice-Chancellor, its Registrar and Deputy Registrar were asked to respond to the rule within three weeks.

Barrister Tahsina Tasnim Mridu argued for the petitioner while Deputy Attorney General Amatul Karim represented the state.

Talking to reporters, Tahsina said the DU authorities did not issue any show-cause notice to Dr Shahadat before they expelled him, denying him even the scope to defend himself or present his side of the story.

In July 2016, the two female students made a complaint against Dr Shahadat of harassing them sexually.

DU authorities expelled the teacher in March after the allegations brought against him were 'proved'.

Later, the teacher filed a writ petition with the High Court challenging the decision.