Allegations of Nepotism and Partisan Recruitment at University of Chittagong: Nationalist Teachers' Forum Demands Investigation

The Nationalist Teachers' Forum, a BNP-leaning teachers' association at the University of Chittagong, has alleged widespread irregularities, nepotism, and political favoritism in recent faculty and staff recruitment processes. The group has submitted a written demand for an investigation to Vice-Chancellor Professor Mohammad Yahia Akhter, urging transparency and accountability in university appointments.

The allegations were detailed in an official letter sent to the VC on the organization's letterhead last Wednesday (July 23). The letter was signed by Forum President Professor Mohammad Al-Amin, Vice President Professor Mohammad Taiyob Chowdhury, and Acting General Secretary Professor Md. Zahedur Rahman Chowdhury. The matter became public on Friday morning (July 25) after being reported by several media outlets.

“Over 300 Positions Filled Without Transparency”

According to the letter, more than 300 positions have been processed for recruitment over the past six months. The Forum claims that biased selection boards filled the posts at an unusual pace, raising serious questions about transparency. Allegations also include preferential treatment in written exams, interviews, and score distribution.

Demands for Neutral Inquiry and Digital Recruitment System

In the letter, the Forum made several key demands:

• Formation of an independent investigation committee

• Cancellation of appointments made through irregular processes

• Fresh recruitment based on merit and qualification

• Implementation of a digital recruitment system

“Vacant positions affected by irregularities must be re-filled on the basis of merit and eligibility. Future recruitment should be managed through online applications, automated score allocation, and public reporting,” the letter stated.

No Response from the Vice-Chancellor

Despite multiple attempts to contact Vice-Chancellor Professor Mohammad Yahia Akhter, he did not respond to calls seeking his comment on the issue.

Counter Statements from University Officials

Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Administration) Professor Md. Kamal Uddin, who served on the recruitment board, responded to the allegations saying:

“I wasn’t alone on the board. Members of the Nationalist Teachers’ Forum were also present. If there were concerns, they should have raised them then. Now, they need to point out exactly where the irregularities occurred.”

Acting Registrar Mohammad Saiful Islam dismissed the allegations as “imaginary,” stating:

“We are facing a shortage of skilled manpower. Recruitment is being conducted with maximum transparency. In fact, this has been one of the most impartial processes in recent years.”

Political Polarization Behind the Conflict?

The university’s recruitment board includes Pro-VC (Administration) Kamal Uddin, Pro-VC (Academic) Shamim Uddin Khan, and Registrar Saiful Islam—all affiliated with the “Sada Dal”, a group linked to pro-Jamaat teachers. In contrast, the Nationalist Teachers' Forum claims that the Sada Dal is prioritizing its political agenda in the recruitment process.

This episode adds to the growing tension and internal division within Chittagong University, where political alignments continue to influence administrative affairs.