Former UN chief Ban Ki Moon is the chancellor of a private university in Rajshahi! That’s what one Rafiqul Islam, who identifies himself as the vice-chancellor, claims.
According to Islam, he founded the ‘Arjunpara Madinatul Ulum Islami University’ in the northern district’s Bagmara Upazila in May 2016 after securing the University Grants Commission’s approval on Aug 23, 2014.
Locals said the institution was an Ebtedayee Madrasa, which has been now shut down by the authorities.
Islam says the government approved the university after he applied to upgrade his institution following an education ministry’s circular on madrasas in 2011.
He also claims his institution has been cleared for Tk 13.5 billion fund from the government and the World Bank, which he says is yet to be disbursed by the authorities.
In his latest deceptive bid, Islam wrote to the local branch of the state-owned Sonali Bank asking to transfer the fund to his institution’s account.
He asked the bank to release Tk 6 million in favour of the university account no. 01024869 from the allocated fund.
Copies of the letter were also sent to the offices of president and ministries of finance, home and education, UGC, Bangladesh Bank and the Sonali Bank headquarters.
The UGC, however, acted upon and sought the help of local authorities to its stop the operation.
“The UGC has been receiving letters from this self-proclaimed VC of the university, which does not really exist. Two years ago, the local administration was asked to take steps,” said UGC Chairman Prof Abdul Mannan.
In August 2016, the UGC wrote to the administration to take all-out measure to stop ‘illegal operation’ of ‘Aujunpara Madinatul Islmai University’.
Later on Sept 4, the local administration informed the UGC on the closure of the institution.
Last year, the UCG also ran a public advertisement in newspapers to aware the people against the illegal activities of the institution.
Sources at the education ministry said, no circular was issued on this matter ever.
“We have no evidence that no madrasa was given the approval to turn into a university ever,” Director General of secondary and higher education directorate Prof Mahbubur Rahman told Bangla Tribune.
When contacted, Sonali Bank’s Bhabaniganj branch manager Tarique Hasan said, ‘Rafiqul opened a personal account with the bank 15 years ago and it has remained dormant over 12 years.”
“He has been arrested for several times over his wrongdoings but he continues to do so,” Hasan said