Appointment of DU social science acting dean ‘violation of univ order’ Alleges ex-acting dean

Former acting dean of the social science faculty of Dhaka University (DU) Prof AJM Shafiul Alam Bhuiyan yesterday alleged that replacing him with another acting dean was “violation of the Dhaka University Order, 1973, and contrary to the university's tradition”.

At a press conference at the faculty, Prof Shafiul of the Department of Television, Film and Photography, said he was appointed for 90 days and could only be replaced with an elected dean.

Referring to several acting deans, who served for over 90 days and were replaced with elected deans, Prof Shafiul further said he was replaced when he was working as chief coordinator of 'Gha' (D) unit admission test, scheduled for October 20.

The university syndicate appointed Prof Sadeka Halim as the new acting dean on Wednesday. She will take the charge today.

"The university authorities could have followed the tradition … either by extending my tenure or arranging an election," Prof Shafiul, who was appointed on July 2, told the journalists.

There is hardly any incident of replacing acting dean with another acting dean without valid grounds, he added.

Citing the article 24(L) of the university order, 1973, DU VC Prof Akhteruzzaman, said, the university syndicate can take any decision, if the university authorities fail to arrange an election within the stipulated time, which is 90 days from appointing an acting dean.