Patuakhali Science and Technology University (PSTU) has witnessed internal divisions among its teachers over appointments and promotions, leading to a split between the Vice-Chancellor and the Pro-Vice-Chancellor. The situation escalated during the observance of Victory Day on December 16, resulting in a tense and disorderly atmosphere on campus.
According to sources, the unrest stemmed primarily from the Vice-Chancellor’s refusal to fulfill certain demands raised by a group of teachers aligned with the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP). As a result, the teaching community became divided. The disagreement originated from several decisions taken at the 57th meeting of the Regent Board held on December 11.
Controversy had long surrounded the promotion of ABM Saiful Islam, an associate professor and organizational secretary of the BNP-aligned “YouTab” teachers’ panel. A Regent Board member, speaking on condition of anonymity, said that under existing regulations, promotion to the rank of professor requires a minimum of four years of practical teaching experience as an associate professor. Saiful Islam reportedly did not meet this requirement. Additionally, candidates must have at least ten research publications in recognized journals, with a minimum of six published during their tenure as an associate professor—criteria he also failed to fulfill. Consequently, the board declared the proposal non-compliant and suspended it.
Meanwhile, the appointment of Jinat Nasrin Sultana, wife of Professor Jamal Hossain, Dean of the Faculty of Law and Land Administration, was also rejected by the Regent Board. Although the recruitment circular mentioned a teaching position in the Department of Plant Pathology, allegations surfaced that Professor Jamal Hossain exerted political influence to secure his wife’s appointment. Since the post had not been officially approved, the recruitment board suggested conditional appointment subject to future approval by the University Grants Commission (UGC). However, when the matter was placed before the Regent Board, the process was termed entirely irregular and subsequently canceled. Board members instead recommended issuing a fresh recruitment circular.
As these decisions did not align with their expectations, a section of BNP-aligned teachers reportedly began blaming the Regent Board Chairman and Vice-Chancellor, further deepening divisions among PSTU faculty members. Although internal disagreements existed following the Regent Board meeting, they remained largely concealed until the eve of Victory Day, when the rift between the Vice-Chancellor and the Pro-Vice-Chancellor’s group became publicly evident.
Sources revealed that, at the last moment, a faction led by Pro-Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. S. M. Hemayet Jahan placed two conditions before Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. Kazi Rafiqul Islam, stating that they would participate in Victory Day celebrations only if the conditions were met. These conditions reportedly included: first, withdrawal of disciplinary actions against two officials and their reinstatement to previous positions; and second, appointment of Basic Science faculty member Professor Mamun-ur-Rashid as Dean of the newly formed Faculty of Oceanography. The Vice-Chancellor’s refusal to comply reportedly intensified the situation.
It may be noted that on November 4, part-time officials Md. Lokman Hossain (Mithu) and Md. Mahmud-al-Jaman were demoted from Assistant Registrar to Section Officer following allegations of publicly assaulting and injuring a university official.
Ahead of Victory Day, the Vice-Chancellor had called for unified celebrations. However, the Pro-Vice-Chancellor’s group reportedly stated they would not participate unless their conditions were met. Ultimately, the Vice-Chancellor proceeded with Victory Day programs, including wreath-laying at the Shaheed Minar, alongside teachers identified as Jamaat-leaning.
During the events, the Pro-Vice-Chancellor’s group raised slogans accusing the Vice-Chancellor of being anti-independence and labeled him Jamaat-aligned, making statements through various platforms.
When asked why they boycotted a national program, Pro-Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. S. M. Hemayet Jahan said, “In previous years, we participated in programs alongside Jamaat-aligned teachers. This time, our demand to the Vice-Chancellor was that we would not jointly lay wreaths at the Shaheed Minar with them. The Vice-Chancellor did not consider our position, so we did not attend.”
When questioned about whether demands regarding the withdrawal of disciplinary actions and the appointment of Professor Mamun-ur-Rashid were raised, he denied the claims, saying, “These are false allegations. No such discussions took place.”
However, despite the Pro-Vice-Chancellor’s denial, his close associate and Dean of the Faculty of Law and Land Administration, Professor Jamal Hossain, openly acknowledged the demand for withdrawal of disciplinary action. He said, “These issues do exist. The Vice-Chancellor takes many decisions that seem inconsistent to us. Matters finalized at the Regent Board were later reversed by him. You may investigate further to learn more.”
Responding to the situation, Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. Kazi Rafiqul Islam said, “On a nationally significant day like Victory Day, such actions by the Pro-Vice-Chancellor and attempts to pressure the Vice-Chancellor with unethical demands have damaged the university’s image. The statements and activities carried out by the Pro-Vice-Chancellor and others while holding constitutionally recognized positions are inappropriate.”
He added, “I have previously served as organizing secretary of the BNP-aligned Sonali Dal at BAU, international affairs secretary of Zia Parishad, and president of the Veterinary Faculty, and I was involved in Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal politics during my student life. However, while serving as Vice-Chancellor, one must strictly adhere to rules and regulations. The way I am being unfairly labeled is nothing but a malicious attempt.”
The Vice-Chancellor further stated that he repeatedly invited all parties to celebrate Victory Day together, but Professor Hemayet Jahan clearly communicated that participation was conditional upon fulfillment of two demands. “Ultimately, they did not attend. Victory Day was then observed in an orderly manner with the teachers, officers, staff, and students who were present,” he said.
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