"Financial anomalies were rampant at the university that turned it into a failed institution," Shamsul told newsperson emerging from the parliamentary standing committee meeting yesterday.

Owing to corruption and irregularities during the previous government, Open University failed to meet its aim and live up to people's expectations after 11 years of its founding, the committee observed yesterday, but expressed satisfaction with the current running of the university.

The committee, dominated by the ruling BNP lawmakers, found no irregularities at present in the activities of the university.

"We have no allegations against the present performance of the university authorities. The vice-chancellor briefed the committee on the day-to-day running of the university," the committee chairman added.

The committee asked the university authorities to inquire if there were any irregularities in the recruitment and purchase process during the previous government.

Open University was set up in 1992 to remove illiteracy from the adult population. At present, 82 teachers, 270 officers, 268 third-class officials and 222 fourth-class employees are working at the university.

Vice-chancellor Dr Ershadul Bari told the meeting that the university was facing difficulties due to shortage of logistics. The VC proposed to set up a satellite TV channel for the university to conduct its educational activities. He also sought Tk 10 crore for building its infrastructure.

Chairman of the University Grants Commission, Dr Asaduzzaman, said the universities should maintain balanced manpower distribution and proper financial allocation in different sectors.

The committee asked the National University authorities to submit a report at the next meeting to clarify the reason for its failure to publish examination results in time.

Shamsul presided while committee members and officials concerned were present at the meeting.