DU senate surprised at acting VC appointment

The senate members of Dhaka University have expressed surprise over the appointment of Prof Md Akhtaruzzaman as the university's acting vice-chancellor saying it was a clear violation of Dhaka University Order-1973 and interference to its autonomy.

In a statement issued yesterday, they said AAMS Arefin Siddique was supposed to carry on as the VC as per an Appellate Division bench rule.

President Abdul Hamid, chancellor of the university, appointed Prof Akhtaruzzaman as acting vice-chancellor for “smooth continuation of the academic and administrative activities” as the tenure of Prof Siddique ended on August 24, according to an education ministry circular issued on Monday.

The appointment of a DU VC was discussed after the formation of a three-member VC panel at a senate meeting days before the end of Prof Siddique's tenure. Siddique's name was on the top of the panel formed on July 29 and he was supposed to be re-elected.

However, a writ petition was filed with the High Court challenging the legality of the meeting and the HC stayed the process of holding the meeting scheduled for July 29 to elect the VC panel and forwarded the matter to its full bench.

The university authorities appealed against the stay order with the Appellate Division.

The SC stayed the functioning of the VC panel and allowed Prof Siddique to continue his duties as the VC until the disposal of the HC rule. The hearing on the SC rule is scheduled for October 3.

Since the matter is pending, the senate members said Monday's circular was embarrassing.

They said through the appointment the autonomy of the university is at stake and some may find a way to make the senate ineligible.

“We firmly believe that the historic university will be run according to the Dhaka University Order 1973 that was formulated by Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. This is our ethical and lawful responsibility to abide by the order,” reads the statement, signed by 33 senate members.