Vacancies at top executive posts at a sizeable number of private universities have raised concerns over their functioning.
At least 28 universities have no vice-chancellor, 87 have no pro-vice chancellor, and 37 have no treasurer.
There are 96 universities where at least one of these three positions is vacant, and there are 14 where all three positions are vacant.
There are 116 private universities in the country. Among them, the operations of four are currently suspended.
Academics say if there is no one in such key positions, academic activities suffer because these are not ceremonial positions. The administrative officials of a university are required to make decisions on approving educational and research plans, and implementing administrative decisions and recruitment.
Former acting chairman of University Grants Commission Prof Muhammad Alamgir told Stream that the VC is the chief executive, and the treasurer handles financial matters. Leaving these posts empty for a prolonged period would lead to stagnation at an institution.
Prof Alamgir says that when he was at the UGC from 2019-2024, he tried to ensure that the process for appointments to the key positions began before the positions fell vacant.
"Since appointments are made by the government, we must take the matter seriously. These appointments should not take long," he says.
According to the Private University Act-2010, the chancellor appoints the VC, pro-VC, and treasurer at all universities.
For each position, the board of trustees sends the names of three professors to the Ministry of Education. After certain background checks, the UGC sends the list to the chancellor.
UGC officials say the trustees often avoid appointing individuals to the top posts. Many times, they prefer to keep someone in an acting role.
This allows the trustee boards to retain control over university administration and reduce expenditure.
A former UGC chairman, on condition of anonymity, told Stream, "Despite repeated reminders, the trustee boards often show reluctance in appointing VCs, pro-VCs, and treasurers. They deliberately delay the process.
"When pressured, the boards submit names for the posts. However, sometimes they recommend individuals who do not meet the requirements. They do this on purpose so that the appointments are delayed."
He also mentioned that it becomes difficult finding qualified individuals for universities outside Dhaka.
Earlier, in September 2021, the UGC announced that private universities could be placed on a "red list" for keeping the positions of VC, pro-VC, and treasurer vacant. However, no red list containing the universities in question has been made.
Naming a university on the red list means students are discouraged from enrolling in them, according to UGC officials.
Contacted, UGC member (private universities) Prof Mohammad Anwar Hossain says, "In most of the cases, the appointment processes are underway. Therefore, we do not see the need to place them on the red list now."
The UGC assumes a university is not functioning properly if there is no VC, pro-VC, or treasurer, he says.
"When conducting periodic reviews, if we find that there are no VC, pro-VC or treasurer, we restrict the approval of new programmes."
All three positions vacant in 14 universities
According to the Private University Act-2010, if a university does not have a VC, the pro-VC temporarily assumes that responsibility and if there is no pro-VC, then the treasurer takes on the responsibility.
The treasurer oversees the overall management of the university's funds and maintains accounts of income and expenditure. He is responsible for preparing the annual budget, managing finances, ensuring financial discipline, and maintaining accounts.
Stream has identified 14 universities where none of the top three positions have anyone appointed by the chancellor.
Two such universities are: The Peoples University of Bangladesh and the European University of Bangladesh.
The authorities of both universities said they had sent names to the Ministry of Education for the appointment of the VC, pro-VC, and treasurer. Currently, both universities have an acting VC appointed by the respective board of trustees.
Mahtab Uddin Ahmed, deputy registrar of The Peoples University of Bangladesh, told Stream that a permanent VC will be appointed soon.
Ahmed Forhad Khan, trustee board chairman of the European University of Bangladesh, told Stream, "We are considering filling the posts of VC and treasurer with full appointments through the proper procedure."
Meanwhile, Grameen University got permission to start academic functions in March this year. The university has recently published a circular asking for applications against the vacant positions.
No VC in 28 Universities
According to the act, the VC is the chief executive and academic officer of the university. He implements the decisions of the syndicate and the board of trustees. The VC also serves as the chair of the syndicate, academic council, and the teachers' recruitment committee. By virtue of their position, they also serve as a member of the board of trustees, the finance committee, and the disciplinary committee.
However, data from the UGC and the Secondary and Higher Education Division of the Ministry of Education show that in 28 private universities across the country, there is no VC appointed by the president.
8 universities never appointed treasurer
Royal University of Dhaka, located in Banani, Dhaka, was established in 2003 and currently has three faculties. According to the UGC's latest annual report, the university has 1,322 students, 39 faculty members, and 29 administrative staff.
Despite having so many members, the university has not appointed a treasurer in 22 years. Brig Gen (retd) A.S.M. Mushfiqur Rahman, the registrar, says, "The trustees board has assigned an individual to handle financial matters. Names for the position have been sent to the ministry, and we hope the government will make the appointment soon."
Sharmind Neelormi who teaches economics at Jahangirnagar University told Stream that the absence of a treasurer raises questions about the university's financial management.
"If the VC takes the responsibilities of the treasurer, it creates a conflict of interest. The treasurer oversees financial matters, and without one, there is no one to detect discrepancies in income and expenditure," she says.
"Ultimately, the board of trustees of a private university are businessmen. It is the UGC's responsibility to ensure proper operation of university administration. However, being under the Ministry of Education, the UGC can never play an independent role like a true commission."
Giving importance to the process
UGC member Professor Anwar Hossain says, "The verification and selection process for these appointments in the vacant positions are ongoing. The universities are cooperating, and the process will be completed within the next six months."
Anu Muhammad, former professor of economics at Jahangirnagar University, told Stream that the government needs to give importance to the appointments.
"There is a tendency to keep these positions vacant to create scope for irregularities. If this continues, the normal functioning of universities will be hindered."
The following are universities with all of the positions vacant
- Victoria University of Bangladesh
- Primeasia University
- Royal University of Dhaka
- Z.H. Sikder University of Science & Technology
- Central University of Science & Technology
- Rupayan A.K.M. Shamsuzzoha University
- Microland University of Science & Technology
- Dr Momtaz Begum University of Science & Technology
- Bangladesh Army University of Science & Technology–Khulna
- Lalon Science & Arts University
- Justice Abu Jafar Siddique University of Science & Technology.
The following are universities with no VC
- Northern University Bangladesh
- Southern University Bangladesh
- Khaja Yunus Ali University
- Rajshahi Science & Technology University
- Cox's Bazar International University
- Global University Bangladesh
- CCN University of Science & Technology
- Bangladesh Army University of Science & Technology–Saidpur
- Bangladesh Army University of Engineering & Technology–Qadirabad
- Bangladesh Army International University of Science & Technology–Comilla
- Northern University of Business & Technology
- Bandarban University, University of Skill Enrichment & Technology
The following are universities with no treasurer
- The Millennium University
- NPI University of Bangladesh
- Central University of Science & Technology
- Rabindra Srijonkala University
- Ahsania Mission University of Science & Technology
- Khulna Khan Bahadur Ahsanullah University
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