The Daily Star on Sunday published a report on the 'controversial' appointment process.

The RU authorities recently selected three candidates for their appointment as teachers in the department, allegedly ignoring objection by the departments' planning committee members.

Five out of seven members of the planning committee objected to the proposed appointments, saying the department does not need any more teacher now.

They met the RU VC on August 8 and demanded cancellation of the recruitment process. They also submitted a memorandum to the VC earlier protesting the proposed recruitment.

When contacted over phone, Chairman of Islamic History and Culture department Prof ABM Shahajan declined to make any comment about the postponement.

A high official at the university seeking anonymity said that the 'appointments have been postponed because some national dailies published news against the appointment processes'.

When contacted university register Prof Abdus Salam said that Islamic History and Culture department appointment process are not begin.

On the other hand, 178 RU teachers in a statement yesterday expressed deep concern over the IHC department's appointment process, ignoring objection by the departments' planning committee members.

They said that the proposed appointment of teachers would violate the University Act of 1973 that bars the Vice-chancellor to 'overrule' the decision of planning committee members.

They also said that recruitment of three teachers is unnecessary as the department is over staffed and some of the teachers do not get the chance to take even one class in a month.

They also protested the agitation and misbehabiour by 544 employees on Sunday at the administration building demanding confirmation of their appointments. They RU teachers demanded punishment to the employees.

They also called urged the RU authorities to cancel the appointment process in the Islamic History and Culture department.

On Sunday, the 544 third and fourth class employees laid a siege to the Vice-chancellors office and kept him confined to his room for several hours. They were protesting the proposed appointment of more 159 employees while their services were yet to be confirmed.

Monday's Syndicate meeting was also scheduled to okay appointment of 159 people, most of whom are alleged to be relatives and wards of ruling party men in Rajshahi.

One of the three teacher candidates in the Islamic History and Culture department was Zahar-e-Tasnim Nila, daughter of RU Teachers Association President Prof Nazrul Islam, known as a pro-Jamaat man.

Another candidateAsiara Khatunis the wife of local BNP leader Chand Mia. The other candidate Yesmin Banu Shampais the daughter of Prof. Ehsan Ali, a teacher of the department.