Patuakhali Science and Technology University (PSTU) has descended into administrative deadlock following an escalating feud between Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. Kazi Rafiqul Islam and Pro-Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. S. M. Hemayet Jahan.
The Core of the Dispute The conflict centers on the 57th Regent Board meeting and a promotion selection board held in December. Supporters of the Pro-VC allege the VC bypassed official procedures to block 21 out of 24 staff promotions. Critics claim the VC formed an unauthorized secondary committee to review personal files, leading to widespread faculty dissatisfaction.
The rift deepened when the Regent Board denied promotions to Dr. ABM Saiful Islam—a close associate of the Pro-VC—and stalled the appointment of Zinat Nasrin Sultana, wife of Professor Jamal Hossain.
Escalation and Administrative Shake-up Following a winter recess, tensions spiked when the Pro-VC’s faction demanded the Registrar’s removal. After reports of the Registrar being harassed at the university’s Dhaka liaison office, the VC appointed a new Registrar on January 1.
The crisis peaked on January 5 during a heated confrontation. The Pro-VC accused Agriculture Faculty Dean Professor Dr. Md. Delwar Hossain of embezzling equipment funds—a charge Dr. Delwar vehemently denies. Following threats to block utility services at the VC’s residence, a mediation attempt was made by former Home Minister Altaf Hossain Chowdhury.
Despite an initial agreement to retain Dr. Delwar, an official order was issued on January 7 removing him from the deanship and appointing Professor Zahurul Haque in his place, further destabilizing the campus.
Conflicting Narratives Pro-VC Dr. Hemayet Jahan accused the VC of "dishonesty" and inciting conflict, asserting that the Regent Board had no authority to ignore selection board recommendations. He claimed the Dean's removal was necessary due to financial discrepancies totaling Tk 9 million.
VC Dr. Kazi Rafiqul Islam countered that he was "held hostage" by the Pro-VC’s group through threats of cutting off gas and electricity. He justified the secondary review committee as a necessary step to ensure transparency following reports of certificate irregularities and an inquiry by the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC).
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