Though a parliamentary bill was passed approving Sheikh Fazilatunnesa Mujib Science and Technology University, its operations cannot begin as a VC has not been appointed as yet.
Previously, this institute was Sheikh Fazilatunnesa Fisheries College.
Despite the president’s recommendation, the selected person did not join the post while several panels formed to select a VC have been cancelled in the end.
This has put the ministry of education in an embarrassing position. Meanwhile, students of the university came to Dhaka to carry out a human chain protest.
On 21 June last, president Md. Abdul Hamid and chancellor of the university, ordered professor Dr. Niranjan Kumar Sana of the Rajshahi University to join as VC. However, the professor sent a letter to the ministry informing his inability to join.
The professor also said that he had sent a second letter expressing his desire. In all this, the appointment process was thrown into confusion.
Around 500 students are suffering since the university is not getting official recognition. Education ministry sources say once a VC is appointed, s/he will form a syndicate, apply for budget, construct academic buildings and appoint teachers plus administrative staff.
All work is currently stuck without a VC.
An official of the ministry told Bangla Tribune: “after Niranjan Kumar expressed his inability, another name was proposed but that was also cancelled in the end.”
Requesting an immediate resolution to the problem, students of the institution came from Jamalpur and held a human chain protest on 21 October in front of the National Press Club. They also submitted a memorandum to education minister Nurul Islam Nahid.
Students allege that local leaders threatened Niranjan Kumar from joining because they wanted to see Dr. Syed Mostafizur Rahman, a local of Jamalpur and, also in the list of three names which was placed before the president for VC selection.
Relevant to note, Dr. Rahman was the first name while Niranjan was second in the list.
Reportedly, once the students learnt of the intimidation, they went to Niranjan and allayed his fears. Based on an interaction with students, Niranjan then sent a second letter expressing his desire to join as VC.
Dr. Niranjan says: “I sent a second letters which was recorded in the ministry but did not get any response.”
Current principal of the college, professor Shahidur Rahman Khan, told Bangla Tribune: “the transition of the college into university is hanging due to the complication in appointing a VC.”
Since the institute is currently under Bangladesh Agriculture University, students have to travel 74 km to give exams, he added.
Joint secretary of the ministry of education, Belayet Hossain Talukdar, told Bangla Tribune: “a new panel has been formed and soon the problem will be solved.”