Politics, relation main criteria

90 employees appointed at Chittagong University in two and half years
Shahadat Hossain Riad
Chittagong University authorities have so far appointed 90 employees on political consideration or their relatives during the last two and half years, sources said.

Of them, 38 are Class Three and 52 Class Four employees.

Over 25 are activists of the ruling Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and Jamaat. They are still involved with the politics of ruling coalition government, sources added.

Moreover, around 30 appointees are from village Madarsha of Vice Chancellor AJM Nuruddin Chowdhury. The VC had appointed them misusing power, sources said.

"He appointed his two nephews at his office as Class Three employees recently, an employees association leader said on condition of anonymity."

Persons appointed are: Three Class Three and Class Four employees at commerce faculty dean office, two at VC's office, seven at Pritilata Hall, nine at central library, eight at registrar office, four at account section, two at development section, two at estate section, four at examination comptroller office, two at officers' association office, four at Alaol Hall, two at F Rahman Hall, four at Shahjalal Hall, four at engineers' office, two at medical centre, three at press section, 10 at security department, 10 at science faculty, one at CUCSU building and four at social science faculty.

Besides, the 30 newly appointed employees having family relationship with the VC are working at different offices of the university. Earlier, as per the university provision, pro-vice chancellor was responsible for appointment of Class Three and Class Four employees. But the VC took over the charge of appointing staffs to select persons on his personal choice, sources said.

Though there is a selection board to appoint the employees, the VC, also chairman of the committee, reportedly appointed the employees without any consultation with the committee members, sources added.

The VC appointed one Anwara Begum aged about 50 as a Class Four employee at Pritilata hall. She once worked as maid at his residence.

When contacted, VC Nuruddin denied allegations brought against him regarding appointments.

"All the staffs have been recruited on the basis of their aptitude," he said.

About the 30 appointees from his native village, he said the number is not as high as reported and they are qualified for the job.