Editorial
Irregularities in public universities
Steps called for to set things right
We have a fairly comprehensive picture of irregularities, malpractice and corruption committed during the last four and a half years in as many as eight public universities. The misfeasance in various forms have been alleged in recruitment of teachers, executives and employees. Such revelations have been made by teachers and students themselves who had gone beyond complaints and waged movements against the excesses. These resulted in disruption of academic schedules bringing misery to the students in the wake.
Rangpur Begum Rokeya University under the leadership of the outgoing vice-chancellor surpassed all other universities in terms of corruption and irregularities. This is corroborated by the evaluation of the University Grants Commission (UGC).
Allegations of wrongdoing have been leveled in varying degrees against Sylhet Shahjalal Science and Technology University, National University, Kushtia Islami University, Khulna University, Jagannath University, Noakhali Science and Technology University and Patuakhali Science and Technology University.
According to a prominent Bangla daily's investigative report, vice-chancellors were and are involved in the omissions and commissions relating to recruitment. It has been found out that while during the erstwhile BNP-Jamaat rule, financial irregularities outstripped incidence of flouting rules of recruitment. During Mohajote government, however, there have been fewer complaints of financial wrongdoing even though allegations of partisanship and irregularities in appointments have been rife.
Understandably, some investigation reports have been submitted before the education ministry. One now expects that the probe reports will not only be made public but also acted upon. And where probes are lacking these must be instituted and expedited.
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