34 more controversial recruitment at RU
Anwar Ali and Abu Kalam, Rajshahi
Rajshahi University authorities approved the appointments of 24 teachers in five departments even though there is no need for such recruitment, and also took a director of accounts and nine section officers on 'political grounds', according to sources.The decisions, which were taken during a January 31 Syndicate meeting, have drawn flak from teachers and concerned officials. Four teachers were appointed in the Law and Justice department, including two Islamic Chhatra Shibir activists, Shahal Uddin and Zulfikar Ali. The latter was stripped in the mid-90s of his residential privileges at the RU Institute of Business Studies, Bhaban for 'un-social activities'. Department sources said there is currently no need for any teachers, as at least 24 teachers are taking three or four classes per week instead of ten as per law. "The authority was recruiting voters, not teachers", commented the Law faculty Dean, Prof ANM Mohsin, adding that elections for the dean, syndicate and senate will be held on February 26. The department chairman Prof Asma Siddika refuted the allegations and said the Planning Committee (PC) approved the recruitment. In the Biochemistry and Chemical Technology departments, 13 teachers were taken against eight advertised posts, defying objections of two Planning Committee members. The department Chairman Prof Rezaul Karim said the selection committee and VC have the power to appoint teachers without the decision of the PC. Four teachers were appointed to the Material Science department, two to Folklore and one to the Music and Dramatics department. Zannatul Ferdous, a syndicate member, alleged that most of the newly recruited teachers are supporters of the ruling alliance. Shahidullah Sarker was taken as the director of accounts after the authority sought applications from persons having a commerce background and at least 15 years' experience in RU accounts. Sources said Sarker, with a Master of Arts in economics, has only 10 years' experience under the RU planning and development section. Accounts officials expressed concern over the appointment. Shahidullah Sarker told The Daily Star that he served 16 years in commercial banks before joining RU. The RU syndicate also approved nine section officers, most of who are former members of Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal and have been seen in BNP processions.
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