Progressive Teachers' Association (PTA) and some senate members alleged the authorities picked 327 third class and 217 fourth class employees without following proper appointment procedure.

Earlier, the PTA and 27 senate members submitted separate memorandums to Vice-chancellor Prof Faisul Islam Faruki demanding immediate cancellation of the appointments.

The authorities selected the employees without publishing any advertisement in national dailies and proper interview, said Prof Sayem Uddin, former president of Rajshahi University Teachers Association.

Registrar Abdus Salam admitted the university has 270 vacant posts in third and fourth-class categories, but they employed 544 candidates against those posts.

In December 1997, the RU syndicate gave the appointment committee power to appoint third and fourth class employees any time, he added.

However, senate member Prof Abdul Latif said, "The authorities appointed the staff without discussing the matter at senate meeting."

Prof KAM Shahadat Hossain Mondol, Pro VC and head of the appointment committee, said they appointed the employees on adhoc or daily basis.

Sources alleged most of the appointed staff are supporters or relatives of local BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami.