Fake Certificates Used for Jobs at Begum Rokeya University; At Least 18 Staff Involved

PNN News Desk | Rangpur

At least 18 officials and staff at Begum Rokeya University (BRUR) in Rangpur have reportedly secured jobs by submitting fake or forged certificates. The issue has recently come to light. Among those implicated is the current Deputy Registrar, Mahbubar Rahman. One individual has already been temporarily suspended, and the promotions of four staff members have been put on hold.

Sources said former Vice-Chancellor Prof. Dr. Abdul Jalil Mia appointed Mahbubar Rahman as a temporary accounts officer on November 14, 2011. He became permanent the following year, was promoted to Assistant Registrar on June 24, 2018, and then to Deputy Registrar on April 2, 2023.

However, the university authorities discovered that Mahbubar Rahman’s master’s degree in Islamic Studies from Darul Ihsan University in 2009 was fake. The university stated that it had never issued any certificate in his name.

In addition to Mahbubar, certificates of 17 other staff members have been found to be fake. During the 116th Syndicate meeting on November 4, the promotion of four officials—storekeeper Rehman Rahman, computer operator Md. Emdadul Haq, cataloger Md. Mahfuzar Rahman, and section officer Moniruzzaman—was put on hold due to unverifiable certificates.

Other confirmed fake certificates include:

• Section officers Shahid Al Mamun and Atikuzzaman submitted fake master’s certificates from Darul Ihsan University.

• Assistant Director of Physical Education Sohel Rana submitted a fake MBA certificate from Royal University and secured permanent employment in 2019.

• Physical Instructor Irina Nahar submitted a fake master’s degree from Asia University and was temporarily suspended on September 16.

• Library assistant Alomgir Hossain submitted a forged certificate under the name of National University.

• Catalogers Lutfa Begum and Rafia Akter’s diploma certificates have been sent for verification.

The university revealed that the Establishment Branch was responsible for verifying certificates, but the matter had been neglected for years due to the influence of certain individuals.

Deputy Registrar Mahbubar Rahman admitted, “Initially, my certificate was not required. Later, educational qualifications were relaxed for promotion. I acknowledge my certificate is not genuine.”

Vice-Chancellor Prof. Dr. Shawkat Ali said, “I am surprised. One person has already been temporarily suspended, and several others’ certificates have been sent for verification. Legal action will be taken against anyone found using fake certificates.”