Move to enrol private university graduates at CU

Chittagong University (CU) authorities are considering a proposal for enrolling private university graduates at post graduate level, sources said.

Most of the teachers termed the move a 'massive conspiracy' against the country's prestigious institution.

The issue has been discussed at the arts faculty meeting on September 13 despite opposition from teachers.

However, the proposal was rejected at the second meeting of the faculty on Saturday. The meeting, however, recommended admission of the graduates from other public universities in vacant seats.

But, teachers feared that the authorities might accept the proposal for enrolling private university graduates defying the faculty meeting recommendation.

After approval of the faculty committee, the proposal will go to the academic council and then to syndicate. Order will be issued in this regard if the syndicate approves it, sources said.

Earlier, arts faculty dean Professor Md Sirajul Islam placed the proposal before the university authorities seeking approval for admission of private university graduates in different departments of his faculty. Authorities of science and other faculties are likely to follow suit within few days, sources added.

Sources said, pro-Awami League and progressive teachers opposed the proposal at the first meeting of arts faculty while the pro-BNP and Jamaat teachers supported it seeking immediate approval.

Academic committees of various departments of arts faculty also opposed the issue.

Prof Sirajul Islam told the correspondent that it will be decided by the CU high-ups whether the proposal will be approved or not.

Two senior teachers of Islamic History and Culture Department preferring anonymity said that it was a 'conspiracy' against the second largest public university of the country.

Everybody knows what standard is being maintained at the private universities, they said. In addition, the students are to face tough test to get admission into public universities. So how can we support admission of the students who buy certificates with money? they added.

They said it is a 'conspiracy' by the pro-Jamaat teachers to enroll the students of a private university at Chawk Bazar in the city. They also blamed the university authorities for appointing 57 teachers defying the planning committee decisions.

Chittagong University Teachers' Association (Cuta) President Dr Nurul Anwar said he is not informed about it. "Obviously we will oppose it and go for vigorous movement if necessary," he said adding that "Already the BNP-Jamaat backed administration appointed a private university student as lecturer in Computer Science Department that tarnished the image of CU."

Vice-Chancellor Professor AJM Nuruddin Chowdhury said, “We would never enrol those who come from private or other public universities. "Students will be enrolled in only first year honours courses as before," he added.

He, however, said that the CU authorities are actively considering the proposal for enrolling private university students in M. Phil and PhD research courses. "The matter has been sent to the dean's committee for consideration," he added.