JU teacher faces probe over AI use, Japan postdoc claim

Jahangirnagar University has formed a five-member probe committee to investigate allegations against Dr Sharmin Akter Shimu over the use of AI in a research paper and presenting a short-term research work in Japan as postdoctoral experience.
The probe committee was formed at a syndicate meeting on Sunday, a member who attended the meeting told The Daily Sun.
Sharmin, an assistant professor of the university’s Department of Environmental Sciences, co-authored a 2024 research paper that allegedly contained 62% AI-generated or AI-assisted content.
She also allegedly presented about five and a half months of work at a research laboratory in Japan as postdoctoral experience without submitting an offer letter, funding, or remuneration details. Instead, she provided a certificate from Hokkaido University Prof Yoshito Chikaraishi, covering the period from 1 April to 22 September 2022.
“The syndicate did not approve Dr Sharmin Akter Shimu’s promotion yesterday (Sunday). A probe committee has been formed to examine the allegations,” the member said.
The allegations surfaced at a promotion board meeting on 3 August, when Sharmin’s promotion to associate professor came under scrutiny. The matter was later referred to the university syndicate.
Prof Nazmul Alam of the Department of Botany has been made convener of the committee. Prof Shariful Huda Ripon and Prof Zahidur Rahman of the Department of Computer Science and Engineering are members, while Deputy Registrar (Education) Syed Mohammad Ali Reza will serve as member-secretary.
The University Grants Commission (UGC) will nominate the fifth member.
The university will decide on Sharmin’s promotion after receiving the committee’s findings.