Dhaka University (DU), Chittagong University (CU), Rajshahi University (RU) and Jahangirnagar University (JU) follow the ordinance.

The JU authorities held VC-panel election on February 18 in the wake of demands from the JU Teachers Association. Prof Mustahidur Rahman, who bagged the highest votes, was appointed VC.

The 1973 ordinance and related regulations provide that the vice-chancellor or the chairman of the senate meeting shall call upon the members present to elect three persons for the chancellor to appoint a vice-chancellor. Generally, the chancellor appoints the panel member who gets the highest number of votes.

Sources said VC-panel elections at the RU and the CU are not being held due to political squabbles between pro-BNP and pro-Jamaat teachers and between the VC and Pro-VC. "Political distance" between VC Faisul Islam Faruki and Pro-VC KAM Shahadat Hossain Mondol is the main reason behind non-holding of VC-panel election, they felt.

Election of VC panel at the CU has not been held since 1988 as the senate remains inactive since 1985 mainly due to political tangles, sources said.

VC AJM Nuruddin Chowdhury and Pro-VC M Shamsuddin reportedly have had 'political' feuds between them.

The university's registered graduate election also has not taken place since 1987. The CU Teachers Association recently asked the VC to hold the election soon.

The DU authorities, however, have announced the VC panel election will be held on May 23. The DU Teachers' Association (DUTA) was demanding election since Prof SMA Faiz took over as VC.

Sources said VC-panel election at the DU remained suspended due to 'political feuds' between the VC, Pro-VC and treasurer. Disputes between pro-BNP and pro-Jamaat teachers and between pro- BNP hardliners and the university authorities were the main reasons, one source however said.

A senior DU official said the VC has announced the election date on getting green signal from government high-ups, who also asked some top leaders of the pro-BNP 'white panel' of teachers to work in favour of the present VC.

The white panel might include one member -- Pro-VC AFM Yusen Haider or Treasurer Syed Rashidul Hasan -- and another from among Prof Abul Khair, Prof Shahid Uddin Chowdhury and Prof Waqil Ahmed, sources said.

The pro-Awami League 'blue panel' is yet to decide on taking part in the election while the left- leaning 'pink panel' will not participate.

White Panel leader and Provost of Shahidullah Hall Prof Abul Khair however said, "I think the present VC will run the university administration for the next four years." He admitted feuds within the white panel.

Brushing aside internal feuds as reasons behind non-holding of VC-panel election, SMA Faiz said they would finalise the panel soon.

Meanwhile, State Minister for Education ANM Ehsanul Haque said, "We do not interfere in internal matters of any autonomous institutions."