UGC rocked by Tk 3.5 Crore Embezzlement Scandal, Potentially More Extensive

The University Grants Commission (UGC) is facing a major scandal following revelations of widespread irregularities in its recruitment process, leading to an initial estimated loss of over BDT 3.55 crore for the government. However, sources within the relevant offices suggest the actual financial damage could be far greater, potentially involving 40 to 45 officials.

The Education Audit Directorate conducted an audit at the UGC from May 24 to 29, uncovering three significant types of irregularities. A memo outlining these findings, including recruitment anomalies and the excessive drawing of funds as loans, has been submitted to the UGC.

1. Dual Citizenship Appointment Leads to BDT 30.59 Lakh Loss:

The audit revealed that Mohammad Maksudur Rahman Bhuiyan, Director of the UGC's Planning and Development Division, was appointed despite holding an Australian passport (No. PB 4154759), violating the Government Service Act 2018. This anomaly resulted in a financial loss of BDT 30,59,802 for the government between the 2022-2023 and 2023-2024 fiscal years. Maksudur Rahman Bhuiyan reportedly received this entire amount in salary and benefits during the period and has been asked to provide an explanation.

2. Over-age Appointments Cause BDT 2.79 Crore Loss:

The audit report highlighted that three officials – Jasmine Parveen, Director (Additional Charge) of the International Cooperation Division; Suraiya Farhana, Additional Director of the Planning and Development Division; and Md. Kamruzzaman, Assistant Director of the Research Grants and Awards Division – were appointed despite exceeding the stipulated age limit. This breach of the Commission's recruitment, promotion, and posting policies led to a financial loss of BDT 2,79,49,145. Jasmine Parveen received BDT 1.30 crore, Suraiya Farhana BDT 1.02 crore, and Md. Kamruzzaman BDT 46.34 lakh in salaries and benefits from 2011 to June 2024. Explanations have been sought from these three officials.

3. Grade Discrepancy in Salary Payment Results in BDT 35.06 Lakh Loss:

In another irregularity, Nurunnaha Begum Shiuly, Deputy Secretary (District and Sessions Judge) of the UGC's Legal Branch, received salary and benefits at the 1st grade, despite her position being approved at the 5th grade in the organizational structure. This violation of the UGC's organogram during a deputation appointment led to a financial loss of BDT 35,06,628.

Furthermore, the audit memo noted that Additional Director Md. Nazmul Islam was promoted/appointed without fulfilling the required five years of experience. Similarly, Additional Director Md. Ziaur Rahman and Deputy Director Shibananda Sheel also received promotions/appointments without the necessary experience.

While the initial findings point to a loss of approximately BDT 3.55 crore involving five officials, internal sources suggest that the actual number of implicated officials could be between 40 to 45, indicating a potentially much larger scale of financial damage.

The implicated officials have already submitted their explanations regarding the audit objections. Currently, calculations are underway to determine if these officials will be required to return the embezzled funds.

Beauty Khatun, Deputy Director of the Education Audit Directorate, informed The Daily Campus that their initial report is based on information provided by the UGC. A final report will be prepared after receiving and reviewing explanations from the concerned parties.

Experts have urged the UGC to ensure financial discipline and transparency in its recruitment processes, emphasizing that such irregularities not only lead to financial losses for the state but also reflect administrative weaknesses. The UGC authorities, on their part, have cited pressure from political and influential circles as a contributing factor to these decisions.

All eyes are now on the Education Audit Directorate's final report to see what the ultimate outcome of these serious financial irregularities will be.