Steps must be taken after probes against VCs

The University Grants Commission (UGC) has been investigating allegations of irregularities and corruption against vice chancellors of 14 universities. This is commendable. Not only the VCs, but also people in many key positions in the administration have allegations of bigscale corruption against them. It should be noted that the UGC is carrying out the investigation when students of Jahangirnagar University (JU) and Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Science and Technology University, Gopalganj (BSMRSTU) are staging protests demanding resignation of their respective VCs.

The UGC has formed a five-member committee to probe the allegations against the BSMRSTU VC. It is also investigating allegations of irregularities against the VCs of 12 other universities, including Dhaka University, Jahangirnagar University, National University, Islamic Arabic University in Dhaka, Mawlana Bhasani Science and Technology University in Tangail, Shahjalal University of Science and Technology, Pabna University of Science and Technology, Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University, Begum Rokeya University, Rangpur and Hajee Mohammed Danesh Science and Technology University.

Allegations against three former VCs -- SM Imamul Haque (Barisal University), Iftekhar Uddin Chowdhury (Chittagong University and M Ohiduzzaman (Noakhali Science and Technology University) -- are also being investigated.

Most of the irregularities were committed over recruitment as they violated rules set by the education ministry and the UGC. The allegations include recruitment businesses along with irregularities over student admission, office attendance and financial issues. There have been allegations of irregularities against both the former and present VCs of Sher-e-Bangla Agriculture University. A circular for the appointment of 75 teachers for the posts of associate professors, assistant professors and lecturers were published on 24 December 2017, but after the viva voce, 101 teachers were recommended for the posts.

UGC chairman Kazi Shahidullah said the commission could only come up with recommendation after the investigation, but had no authority to take steps. The authority to take measures lies with the education ministry and the office of the vice-chancellor. There is serious inconsistency with the auhorities in our education sector. If the UGC was the guardian institution for the public universities why did not it have any authority to take actions? This proves that the centre of power is the secretariat.

A commission for higher education was discussed for many years, but that did not see light. The former NSTU VC did not cooperate with the UGC regarding the probes. Members of the probe committee were forced to return to Dhaka following showdown of the VC's men.

Whether the ongoing investigation will be fruitful depends on the fairness of the investigation. But what is more important is bringing the culprits to book. Steps have to be taken against the responsible. On many occasions there were no steps taken against the culprits. This should not be repeated in relations to the investigations against the VCs.