Corruption Allegations at JU: TIB seeks ACC investigation

Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) yesterday called upon the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) to investigate the allegations of corruption and irregularities in development projects at Jahangirnagar University (JU).

The anti-graft watchdog thinks JU Vice-Chancellor Prof Farzana Islam should step aside from the post temporarily for the sake of proper and fair investigation into her alleged involvement in corruption.

TIB voiced grave concern over the news that students who continued staging demonstration against corruption on the university campus, are being harassed.

TIB Executive Director Iftekharuzzaman in a statement said the removal of two top leaders of Bangladesh Chhatra League (BCL) was a positive move but it was not enough in terms of ensuring transparency and accountability.

Accountability of both student leaders have not yet been ensured under a legal procedure and no investigation has been carried out despite the allegations against the VC and her family members, Iftekharuzzaman said.

Iftekharuzzaman, in the statement, expressed grave concern as ACC has yet not taken any initiative to investigate the matter and said, “We urge ACC to conduct a free and fair investigation into the matter and hold the real offenders accountable.”

Meanwhile, a group of teachers and students met with Education Minister Dipu Moni to discuss the ongoing crisis yesterday evening. Prof Khabir Uddin, one of the organisers of the movement, confirmed the meeting.

As part of the ongoing programme, protesters besieged the exam controller office from 8:30am yesterday.

Protesters have been staging demonstration on the campus, demanding VC’s removal since September 18, while the strike began on October 28.