SUST VC sued for ‘deducting health insurance from teachers’ salaries’

The main entrance of Shahjalal University of Science and Technology. UNB File Photo
The main entrance of Shahjalal University of Science and Technology. UNB File Photo

Two cases have been filed against five people, including the vice chancellor of Shahjalal University of Science and Technology (SUST), for deducting Tk 271 each from the salary of teachers for health insurance, reports UNB.

The university’s treasurer, registrar, account manager and Pragati Life Insurance’s managing director were accused in the cases filed by professor Md Abdul Hai of Mathematics department and assistant professor Md Rafikul Islam of petroleum and mining engineering on 12 September.

Ershadul Haque, the lawyer of the plaintiffs, said his clients moved the court challenging the university’s health insurance and deduction of insurance money from their salaries despite their unwillingness.

The health insurance agreement was signed between the university and Pragati Life Insurance in February.

A number of the university’s teachers did not sign up but Tk 271 from their salaries was deducted nonetheless, he added.

VC Farid Uddin defended the decision, saying many other universities also have agreements with Pragati Life Insurance.

New agreement can be signed with other insurance companies or the existing contract can be extended after two years, he pointed out.