VC files petition seeking stay on UGC inquiry

Begum Rokeya University Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Nazmul Ahsan Kalimullah has filed a writ petition with the High Court, seeking stay on University Grants Commission's (UGC) inquiry into allegations raised against him of irregularities and corruption over recruitments. 

Prof Kalimullah submitted the petition to the HC on May 23 through his lawyer Md Shahidul, challenging a UGC notice that asked him to appear before it (UGC) to place explanations over the allegations.

In the petition, he sought a stay order on the operation of the UGC notice issued on May 15, and UGC's inquiry into the allegations.

Prof Kalimullah in the petition also requested the HC to direct UGC to dispose of an application he submitted on May 12, seeking time for appearing before the commission in connection with the issue.

Petitioner's lawyer Shahidul Islam told The Daily Star that UGC on April 13 issued a notice, asking Prof Kalimullah to appear before it with relevant documents centring the allegations of irregularities in appointing two staff members to Begum Rokeya University, Rangpur.

On May 12, Dr Kalimullah sent an application to UGC, seeking time for appearing before its office. He said in the application he is 60 years old and cannot move to and from the university for documents due to the pandemic.

Without disposing of his May 12 application, UGC's senior assistant secretary (legal) issued another notice, again asking Prof Kalimullah to appear before it on May 20, which is illegal and of no legal effect, lawyer Shahidul said.

The lawyer said the hearing of the writ petition may be held next week.

Deputy Attorney General and UGC lawyer Arobinda Kumar Roy, who received a copy of the writ petition, told this correspondent that Prof Kalimullah has filed the petition to dodge the appearance before UGC's inquiry committee."I will oppose the petition during its hearing," he added.