‘VCs preferred for their political loyalty’

Vice-chancellors at public universities are preferred for their political loyalty rather than their quality as teachers, said economist Prof Anu Muhammad yesterday.

The government does not prefer those who want to be dedicated teachers and those who don’t blindly follow all government agendas, he said at a roundtable held in the capital’s Jatiya Press Club.

Nagorik Chhatra Oikya organised the roundtable on “Corruption and Crime at Educational Institutions”.

Prof Anu Muhammad said whether a vice-chancellor’s tenure will be extended largely depends on “recommendations” given by ruling party’s student leaders.

He said a movement has begun against corruption on different campuses. This needs to be strengthened with participation from all.

He also said students affiliated with the ruling party were largely responsible for crimes committed at universities.

International relations expert Prof CR Abrar claimed universities now appoint teachers considering who they will vote for.

Gonoshasthaya Kendra founder Dr Zafrullah Chowdhury said accountability is absent in different spheres of society. People need to raise their voices to change the situation, he added.