'Massive irregularities at the start of recruitment'

Sylhet Medical University has indulged in massive irregularities ahead of beginning its academic activities fully as the university authorities have appointed 109 persons outside of University Grants Commission (UGC) approved posts, according to an investigation of the UGC.

Speaking to Prothom Alo, former UGC chairman Abdul Mannan said not only Sylhet Medical University, there are allegations of irregularities in the recruitment at more new universities. Underhand dealings for recruitment are taking place in many universities.

These are not warranted and those involved should be brought to book, he added.

The relatives of the vice-chancellor and members of parliament have been appointed on ad hoc basis.

The appointments have been made following the recommendations of the officials of UGC which are supposed to act to prevent irregularities.

Besides, eight deans have been appointed illegally in different faculties.

The UGC investigation committee recommends that the tenure of those appointed on ad hoc basis should not be extended, and the promotions of those promoted violating the guidelines, have to be cancelled, and salaries and allowances received after promotion have to be deposited to the fund of the university.

For the first time, the UGC has not submitted the investigation report to the education ministry. The UGC has written to the vice chancellor to take action in accordance with the recommendation of the investigation committee, member of the investigation committee and UGC secretary (in charge) Ferdous Zaman has confirmed.

According to the recommendation, UGC member in charge of administration has to be included in the board of recruitment for teachers on permanent or on adhoc basis to check the irregularities while UGC secretary has to be nominated as observer in the board of recruitment for officials and staff.

Sylhet Medical University was established in October 2018 and it is the fourth medical university. Former principal of Sylhet MAG Osmani Medical College Morshed Ahmed Chowdhury was appointed as the vice-chancellor.

Its permanent campus is yet to be established. The university is running its administrative activities on a temporary campus at Chowhatta area of Sylhet city. Land has been acquired for the permanent campus at the South Surma area near the city.

Following the allegations of nepotism and underhand dealings in recruitment, the UGC formed a three-member investigation committee led by its member professor Biswajit Chanda. Two other members are UGC secretary Ferdous Zaman and deputy director Mouli Azad (member secretary).

The committee went to the university for investigations on 16 November. They interviewed 21 people including the VC and collected relevant records.

UGC said a total of 174 people are working at the university. UGC approved 112 posts. All approved posts have not been filled. Guidelines have been violated in the recruitment of 109 posts. The university registrar told the investigation committee that salaries and allowances of 109 people are paid as donation from the health ministry. But the investigation reports said the university authorities could not prove it.

Wife of the VC's brother-in-law Fahima Khanam Chowdhury has been appointed as deputy director, His elder brother's son Gazi Md Faraz has been appointed public relations officer. Awami League's former MP Jebunnesa Haque's son has also been appointed.

UGC sources said at least three persons including its the brother of ts member's office assistant' and UGC finance and accounts department official's brother-in-law have been appointed in various posts on ad hoc basis. Relatives of several media officials have also been appointed.

The VC told the inquiry committee that when he joined there were no officials. He appointed as director on part time basis Md Naimul Haque, additional director (Finance and Accounts) of Shahjalal University of Science and Technology (SUST).

Naimul Haque Chowdhury is now discharging duties as acting registrar. The VC told the inquiry committee that he would sign the appointment letter as per the recommendation of Naimul Haque.

Speaking to Prothom Alo, Md Naimul Haque claimed there were no irregularities in the recruitment.

UGC inquiry report said eight deans have been recruited although activities of most of the faculties are not visible. It is illegal to appoint deans in this way and provide financial benefits. AS per the university act, the VC or the syndicate is not empowered to appoint deans.

UGC in a letter to the VC on 17 January said nobody should be appointed on ad hoc basis. The tenure of those who have been appointed on ad hoc should not be extended.

*This report, originally published in Prothom Alo print and online editions, has been rewritten in English by Rabiul Islam.