19 university VCs removed before term expiry: TIB

Transparency International Bangladesh has reported that 19 university vice-chancellors were removed before the end of their terms after the BNP government came to power, with no reasons specified for their removal.

The information was disclosed at a press conference at the MIDAS Centre in Dhanmondi on Sunday morning, June 7. TIB released a report titled '100 Days After the 13th National Parliamentary Election: Monitoring the Establishment of Good Governance and Implementation of Anti-Corruption Commitments'.

TIB stated that despite the existence of search committees for VC appointments, the due process was not followed, and appointments were made on partisan considerations. An individual holding an important position in the ruling party was appointed VC of a university.

The organisation also observed that following the government formation, there have been movements, clashes and violence in various universities over VC appointments, as well as prolonged delays in promotions. Clashes and violence between two student organisations over influence in various universities and educational institutions have also occurred.

Among the government's initiatives in the education sector, TIB noted the reconstitution of search committees for VC appointments, abolition of annual re-admission fees in schools, admission through examinations instead of lotteries, training for teachers on children with disabilities, and formulation of a transfer policy for MPO-listed teachers.