CU approves 153 appointments, bars candidate for exam fraud

The 565th Syndicate meeting of Chittagong University (CU) has approved the appointment of total 153 teachers, officers and employees.

The meeting also decided to bar a candidate from all recruitment and promotion examinations at the university for three years after allegations of fraud in a recruitment test were proven.

According to syndicate sources, the appointments include 44 teachers across nine departments, including computer science and engineering, electrical and electronic engineering (EEE), zoology and human resource management (HRM).

The meeting also approved the recruitment of 100 third- and fourth-grade employees and nine officers. The officer positions include network technicians, computer operators and office assistants.

The syndicate also endorsed appointments involving relatives of two pro-vice-chancellors. Mahira Shamim, daughter of Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Academic) Prof Dr Shamim Uddin Khan, was appointed as a lecturer in the Department of Finance. Similarly, Saeedul Rahman, nephew of Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Administration) Prof Dr Kamal Uddin Khan, was appointed to the Department of Criminology and Police Science.

Meanwhile, the recruitment of Jannatun Naim, wife of Prof Rezaul Azim—an expert member of the Chittagong Laboratory School recruitment board—and her sister Jannatun Afroz had been temporarily halted following allegations of nepotism in the Laboratory School appointments.

Earlier, following a writ petition filed with the High Court by teacher recruitment candidates, the University Grants Commission on May 8 last year ordered a suspension of all ongoing teacher recruitment activities at Chittagong Laboratory School and College.

Commenting on the issue, CU Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Academic) Prof Dr Shamim Uddin Khan said those who filed the writ petition later withdrew it, although the recruitment process remains ongoing.

Regarding his daughter’s appointment, he said she secured the position on merit and that he had not informed anyone about her participation in the examination process.

He added that while the administration is trying to advance the university, some people are viewing the efforts negatively.

In a separate decision taken at the same syndicate meeting, the university imposed disciplinary action over recruitment exam fraud.

A candidate for the post of section officer in the Department of Oceanography was found guilty of using a mobile phone to write answers during the examination. As punishment, the candidate has been barred from participating in all CU recruitment and promotion examinations for the next three years.

Prof Dr Shamim said the university administration follows a zero-tolerance policy regarding irregularities or fraud in recruitment examinations.

“The punitive measure was taken based on the recommendations of an investigation committee,” he added.