Very slow progress of the investigation gave rise to uncertainty among the concerned about the committee's seriousness about submitting a report.

The seven-member committee, later turned into a ten-member one, has yet to submit its report although the date for that has been expired at least a month ago.

Talking to The Daily Star a number of teachers of DU alleged that some influential members of the committee chose to dilly-dally with the investigation.

Citing examples of most of the investigation committees at DU formed on various issues that did not submit reports, they expressed their doubts that with the dilly-dally-policy the committee might be looking for opportunities to cover up the matter after passing enough time in the name of investigation.

DU syndicate on February 28 formed the probe committee with Pro-vice Chancellor (Pro-VC) Prof AFM Yusuf Haider as its convener and asked it to submit a report on the matter within the next 10 working days. The deadline has already expired.

Fifty-two students of the political science department secured first class marks in the master of social science examinations, 2002, which were held in 2004. The number is unusually high for the coveted ranking, which gave rise to a widespread controversy.

Till date, the committee only took two steps forward into the investigation. It expanded itself to include three more members and reshaped its terms of references to ensure transparency in the investigation and to meet the demand of Dhaka University Teachers' Association (Duta).

Prof AAMS Arefin Siddique, former Duta president, said, "To ensure transparency and accountability of the administration, the authorities should conduct a thorough investigation of the matter giving it a top priority, otherwise students and guardians will lose confidence in the university administration."

Sources in the syndicate said the committee, which held only two meetings in one and a half month, decided to re-tabulate the marks of the students. According to the earlier terms of reference the committee was to only recheck the existing tabulation-sheets.

The committee will also interview all the concerned who were connected to the examinations and publishing of the results, the sources added.

The prospective interviewees are Prof Ataur Rahman, chairman of the examination committee, the examiners, tabulators and the examination controller.

Sources said decisions to implement these plans might be taken at the next meeting of the committee on April 22.

Convener of the committee, Pro-VC AFM Yusuf Haider, said the committee is working and the report will be submitted although it has been delayed.

When contacted, DU VC Prof SMA Faiz, expressed his hope that although the committee is taking time, it will reach a correct decision as all know that the investigation is a complex one.