What people don't know about DU VC
In a unique gesture, Dhaka University Vice Chancellor Prof AAMS Arefin Siddique has set an example by not receiving various allowances, which he is entitled to enjoy as VC, for the last seven years.
He did not take the amount worth around Tk 1.25 crore in a bid to ease pressure on the university expenditure.
While presenting this year's budget in the annual senate meeting on June 16, Treasurer Prof Kamal Uddin said, “Pro-vice chancellor, treasurer and others, who hold the higher positions of the university, receive sitting allowances happily." But Arefin Siddique has not taken any sitting allowances in the last seven years, he added.
Pro VC Prof Nasreen Ahmed said, "No one has ever rejected this money, except our honourable VC. This proves how generous he is.”
This came to the fore when allegations of corruption run rife against VCs of some universities, said some DU students.
Polash Ahmed, a third-year student of political science, said, “VC sir has created an example of honesty and sacrifice."
He hopes many other teachers would also follow his examples.
Known as a gentle and wonderful teacher among his students, Prof Arefin is praised for promoting the activities of the university, introducing new departments and above all reducing session jams.
In the last six years, he launched 14 new departments and 15 research institutes at the university, as per the university website.
Even after becoming VC, he regularly takes classes of his department -- mass communication and journalism, said his current and former students.
Contacted, Prof Arefin said, "I've kept it a secret since I took office. Though it has come to public notice now, I would not like to comment on it."
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