No VC in 39 private varsities
At least 13 universities have not even sent a panel proposal to the UGC
HARUN UR RASHID
At least 39 among the 95 private universities in the country have not had a vice-chancellor (VC) for a long time. This has automatically raised questions about the transparency and accountability of such educational institutions. If the Private University Act 2010 has to be followed, the post of the VC is vital, as many functions, such as syndicate meetings and many financial matters, totally depend on the VCs consent. When the syndicate and financial meetings are held without the VCs presence, a big question mark appears on the transparency of all academic and administrative activities.
Sources in the University Grants Commission (UGC), the apex regulatory body of the universities, said they have urged the authorities of private universities several times over seven months to send a panel proposal to have the VCs appointed by the President. But most of the universities have not responded positively, they added.
According to their estimate, until March 13, at least 39 universities did not have a VC. Some of these universities have sent the panel proposal with the names of three candidates for the VC post to the UGC. Some of these proposals comply with the Private University Act, 2010, while many do not.
At least 13 universities have not even sent a panel proposal to the UGC. These are the Central Womens University, the Sylhet International University, the State University of Bangladesh, the Victoria University of Bangladesh, the ZH Sikder University of Science and Technology, the Exim Bank Agricultural University, the Notre Dame University, the German University Bangladesh, the Army University of Science and Technology in Saidpur, the Army University of Engineering and Technology in Kadirabad, the Bangladesh Army International University of Science and Technology in Comilla, the Canadian University of Bangladesh, and the NPI University of Bangladesh.
The universities that sent improper panel proposals are Gono Bishwabidyalay, the University of Development Alternative, Northern University Bangladesh, the Pundro University of Science and Technology, the University of Information Technology and Sciences, the ASA University Bangladesh, East Delta University, Hamdard University Bangladesh, and Ranada Prasad Shaha University.
The universities whose panel proposal is under process are the International Islamic University Chittagong, The Peoples University of Bangladesh, the Asian University of Bangladesh, Manarat International University, World University of Bangladesh, Prime Asia University, the Royal University of Dhaka, the University of Liberal Arts, Atish Dipankar University of Science and Technology, the BGMEA University of Fashion and Technology, Chittagong Independent University, Rajshahi Science and Technology University, CCN University of Science and Technology, and Coxs Bazar International University.
Two universities that have a conflict in their board of trustees (BOT) and court cases are the Premier University and the IBAIS University.
Also, 19 universities do not have VC, pro-VC and treasurer, which are the most vital posts of a university.
These are the Sylhet International University, the World University of Bangladesh, the University of South Asia, the University of Information Technology and Sciences, the Royal University of Dhaka, Hamdard University Bangladesh, the BGMEA University of Fashion and Technology, ZHH Sikdar University of
Science and Technology, the Chittagong Independent University, the Rajshahi Science and Technology University, Coxs Bazar International University, Ranada Prasad Shaha University, the German University Bangladesh, the CCN University of Science and Technology, the Army University of Science and Technology in Saidpur, the Army University of Engineering and Technology in Kadirabad, the Bangladesh Army International University of Science and Technology in Comilla, the Canadian University of Bangladesh, and the NPI University of Bangladesh.
UGC sources said they wrote to all private universities last September, asking them to send panel proposals for the post of VC, pro-VC, and treasurer by the end of that month. But many universities did not do so.
UGC chairman Prof. Abdul Mannan said he would write to the universities within a week, asking them to send their panel proposals within a month.
He also said the UGC would recommend to the government that it take the next course of action. We will give the universities a months time to send the panel proposal. Recently, we had a meeting with the education ministry. A four-member committee has been formed in this regard, Abdul Mannan told The Independent. We will decide on the next course of action after that. How can a university run without a VC, a pro-VC and a treasurer? The absence of these officials is raising questions on the varsities accountability and transparency, he admitted.
