Controversy Erupts at PSTU Over Promotion Process, Allegations of Irregularities

A major controversy has erupted at Patuakhali Science and Technology University (PSTU) over the promotion process of a female staff member. Teachers, officers, employees, and a section of students have alleged that recruitment and promotion at the university have long lacked transparency. The recent move to promote a staff member of the central library from junior assistant to senior assistant has intensified the debate.

According to obtained documents, questions have been raised about the timelines of the employee’s SSC, HSC, bachelor’s, master’s degrees, and her date of joining the university. Critics argue that completing both bachelor's and master’s degrees in the same year, securing a rapid appointment, and receiving unusually fast promotions require clear explanation. They claim that an “influential syndicate” has long been manipulating recruitment and promotion processes at PSTU. Despite her strong political identity as an Awami League supporter, a certain group within the university allegedly used personal connections to influence administrative decisions in her favor.

Documents show that the employee passed SSC in 2005, HSC in 2007, completed her bachelor’s degree in 2012, and obtained a master’s degree the same year. On 8 July 2018, she was appointed as a junior assistant at PSTU reportedly through the recommendation of former MP A.S.M. Firoz, an Awami League leader from Bauphal, and allegedly in exchange for a large bribe. Her husband, Md. Saifullah, also secured a senior assistant position at the university through the same political patronage. Saifullah was a former Chhatra League activist and a leader of the BSTU Bangabandhu Parishad. Following the political shift on 5 August, the current administration appointed him as Assistant Registrar of the TSC and head of the Caretaking Section—an appointment that angered teachers aligned with the BNP–Jamaat camp.

Complainants have questioned how Lima Akter obtained both bachelor's and master’s degrees in the same year (2012). They have demanded verification of her academic certificates.

An official of the Registrar’s Office, speaking on condition of anonymity, said, “Completing both honours and master’s degrees in the same year is generally inconsistent with academic norms. This requires investigation.”

He added, “Being promoted to senior assistant within just a few years of appointment in 2018 is highly unusual. According to university regulations, such rapid promotions must be justified with proper evidence.”

Saifullah, the employee’s husband and the current head of the Caretaking Section, has also faced allegations that he engages university cleaners and attendants in household chores—misusing his official authority.

A BNP-leaning professor of the university said, “Her honours result was third class, later improved to second class through an improvement exam—this is why both degrees appear in the same year. In that case, her master’s degree should be considered invalid. To accept the master’s result, the university must consider the original honours result, meaning her promotion to section officer should have been delayed by at least a year.”

He further said, “Political influence, personal relationships, and financial transactions are often alleged in recruitment and promotion at PSTU. Otherwise, such incidents involving individuals directly linked to authoritarian politics would not occur. Same-year degrees, abnormal promotions—the administration is failing to answer these questions.”

Former PSTU student Md. Jobayer Hossain said, “PSTU is not a private company. Jobs and promotions must be based on merit. No influential Awami League group or individual should be able to control the administration at this stage.”

Multiple attempts were made to contact Lima Akter, the library office staff member at the center of the controversy, but she did not respond to phone calls.

Md. Saifullah, her husband and head of the Caretaking Section, said, “I only perform my official duties. The allegations of exerting influence or controlling others are baseless. I am being deliberately targeted. If the administration finds any irregularity, they may dismiss my wife—I will accept that.”

He added, “I have never interfered in any recruitment or promotion process in exchange for bribes. These accusations are being spread for political and personal motives.” Director General of the Anti-Corruption Commission (Dudok), Md. Motahar Hossain, said, “Recruitment and promotion at universities—as in all government institutions—carry risks of corruption. We review allegations as soon as they arise. In PSTU’s case, preliminary information will be collected, and formal investigation will follow if necessary.”

He added, “If irregularities are proven in educational institutions, strict action will be taken.” Secretary of the University Grants Commission (UGC), Dr. Md. Fakhrul Islam, said, “Recruitment and promotion policies for universities are clear. If an institution violates these rules, it comes under investigation. If complaints are received regarding PSTU, a high-level UGC team will review the documents.”

PSTU Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. Kazi Rafiqul Islam said, “All recruitment and promotions at the university are conducted as per rules. If any complaints are filed, we investigate. Any complaints regarding this matter will be reviewed transparently.”