Dhaka University Senate: A hurried meeting concludes without budget placement
Dhaka University's annual senate session was held yesterday, despite the absence of multiple members, including two pro-vice chancellors and the treasurer of the university.
Prof Shibli Rubayat Ul Islam, former dean of DU's Business Studies faculty and chairman of Bangladesh Security Exchange Commission has been nominated as syndicate member in educationist quota.
Alumnus Majnun Chunnu has been nominated in registered graduate category and former Bangla Academy Director General Shamshuzzaman Khan was nominated in eminent citizen category.
One of the primary and arguably the most important agenda of the meeting -- annual budget -- was not placed in the session.
The VC told this correspondent that the tenure of the current members would end on June 16, hence he convened the meeting yesterday.
A pro-VC and deans of two faculties wrote to the VC stating their unwillingness to attend the session.
"Considering mine and my colleagues' health and safety, I did not attend. Also, the budget was not placed so I didn't have anything to contribute at the meeting," Prof ASM Maksud Kamal, dean of Earth and Environmental Sciences faculty, told The Daily Star.
Pro-VC (Academic) Prof Dr Nasreen Ahmad echoed him, saying she felt it was useless to attend a session where there wouldn't be any discussion.
"I've read in the papers that the VC convened the meeting because he wants his chosen few in the syndicate. Is our VC that 'insecure' that he needs his people to boost him up?" she questioned.
"What wrong will the VC commit that he needs 'his' people in the syndicate?" she added, "I believe, if one remains fair, abides by rules and maintains transparency, then they can work with anyone. [Then] there is nothing to fear," she added.
Several senate members alleged that VC Prof Md Akhtaruzzaman called the senate session hurriedly to nominate Prof Shibli in the syndicate, which is the highest decision-making body in the university.
"The VC issued notice on May 13 about the meeting but the university has been closed since March 18, which contradicts the Article 21 of DU order 1973, which says the VC has to issue notice to all members at least 21 working days prior to the session," alleged a member.
Another senate member questioned the legitimacy of Prof Shibli's nomination under educationist quota, as the latter does not have a PhD or international journal publications.
DU sources said, the university authorities are likely to hold another senate session on July 23 to finalise the budget.
Yesterday's meeting, attended by 63 members, also nominated Md Ataur Rahman Prodhan, CEO and managing director of Sonali Bank Limited, as a member of University finance committee.