Anomalies rule selection of JU teachers for scholarships

The incensed teachers alleged widespread irregularities in the selection process which, they said, is based on political identity rather than qualifications.

The teachers said after the appointment of Prof Jasim Uddin Ahmad as vice-chancellor two years ago, the university authorities selected about 24 teachers for various scholarships.

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Of them, the University Grants Commission (UGC) asked the JU authorities to select six teachers-- two for Ph.D and four for post-doctoral degree -- under the Commonwealth Academic Staff Fellowship 2004.

As per the circular, all university teachers were asked to apply for the scholarship within October 6, 2003.

But the university authorities selected some teachers who applied after the expiry of the deadline.

"Though I protested the selection, the authorities didn't listen to me," said a pro-BNP teacher preferring anonymity.

Besides, those who were selected for Ph.D course did not have the requisite qualifications to get the scholarship, said another teacher.

It is also alleged that two teachers -- one of botany department and the other of geography department -- who were selected for Ph.D scholarship, applied after the expiry of the deadline for application.

Selection of four candidates for post doctoral scholarship were also made on the basis of political identity, said other sources.

Jatiyatabadi Shikkhok Forum submitted a memorandum to the prime minister bringing a cheating allegation against the authorities for awarding ICTP scholarship to Dr Mahfuzur Rahman of botany department.

The ICTP scholarship was meant for a teacher below the age of 35 years, but the authorities selected one 37-year-old candidate, saying that the university had no teacher below this age.

Apart from this, 17 teachers were selected for different scholarships on the basis of their political identity.

"Thus the authorities are tarnishing the image of the university by giving selection to unqualified teachers," alleged some aggrieved teachers.

In the last years, several scholarships were cancelled due to the selection of unqualified teachers although there were many teachers who had the requisite qualifications, said a teacher on condition of anonymity.

The vice-chancellor has however denied the allegations.

He said the teachers were selected on the recommendation of the Teachers' Scholarship Committee.

They were selected on the basis of their qualifications, he added.