New VCs Appointed at Pirojpur and Patuakhali Science and Technology Universities Amid Controversies

The Ministry of Education has appointed new Vice-Chancellors (VC) to two major higher education institutions amid various controversies and allegations. According to separate notifications issued on Monday (8 June) by the Science and Technology Universities Branch of the Secondary and Higher Education Division, new appointments have been made at Pirojpur Science and Technology University and Patuakhali Science and Technology University (PSTU). Signed by Assistant Secretary Md. Shah Alam Siraj, the notifications were issued with the approval of the Honorable President and Chancellor.

Arabic Professor Appointed to Science & Tech University Amid Corruption Allegations

Professor Dr. Mohammed Chobirul Islam Howlader from the Department of Arabic at Rajshahi University (RU) has been appointed as the Vice-Chancellor of Pirojpur Science and Technology University. While it is a convention to appoint 'science experts' or experienced teachers from science backgrounds to the top posts of science and technology universities, he has been selected from a language and literature background. However, no such statutory restriction exists in the university's regulations.

Despite the lack of legal barriers, serious administrative and financial irregularities overshadow Dr. Chobirul Islam's appointment. Investigations reveal that in November 2024, while serving as the Chairman of the Arabic Department at Rajshahi University, 21 out of 22 faculty members expressed no-confidence in him. Following allegations of financial and administrative anomalies submitted to the then RU Vice-Chancellor, he was temporarily relieved of his departmental chairmanship. On 10 December of the same year, the university administration formed an inquiry committee to probe the charges, barring him from all academic and administrative activities during the investigation. He has now been appointed for a 4-year tenure under Section 10(1) of the Pirojpur Science and Technology University Act, 2022.

Hemayet Jahan Appointed PSTU VC Despite Mass Demands for Dismissal

Meanwhile, Professor Dr. S M Hemayet Jahan, the Pro-Vice-Chancellor of Patuakhali Science and Technology University (PSTU), has been promoted to the position of Vice-Chancellor at the same institution. His appointment to the top executive post comes despite intense local protests and controversy.

Prior to this official notification, on 21 May, local residents organized a massive human chain demonstration against Professor Dr. S M Hemayet Jahan near the Lebukhali Toll Plaza on the Dhaka-Patuakhali Highway. During the protest, speakers alleged that Dr. Hemayet Jahan and a faction of his followers were collaborating with controversial figures who had enjoyed administrative privileges during the Awami League regime to serve personal interests. The protesters claimed that such internal conflicts and power politics had severely disrupted the university's academic and administrative environment. Demands were also placed during the demonstration to withdraw 'false cases' filed by his administration. Overlooking these ongoing disputes, the Ministry's notification confirmed that he will hold the position of Vice-Chancellor for the next 4 years from his date of joining.

//DBTech/DC/CB/EK//