Allegations of Irregularities in Welfare Fund Allocation at PSTU Involving Vice-Chancellor

Allegations have surfaced regarding irregularities in the allocation of welfare fund money at (PSTU), with fingers being raised at Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. Kazi Rafiqul Islam.

According to sources, the Vice-Chancellor allegedly allocated welfare fund money to several close associates without properly following the existing policy guidelines. The issue has reportedly triggered dissatisfaction and resentment among university officers and employees.

The Government Employees’ Welfare Fund is intended to ensure financial and social security for serving, retired, and deceased government employees and their families. At the university level, the fund is meant to provide assistance to teachers, officers, and staff in cases of serious illness, accidents, death-related compensation, and other special circumstances.

As per the welfare fund policy, a maximum of BDT 5,000 can be granted for treatment of serious illness upon application. In cases of “extreme financial hardship,” an individual may receive up to twice their basic salary. Additionally, the policy provides BDT 2,000 as monthly assistance following the death of an employee, BDT 3,000 for funeral expenses, and BDT 2,000 for transporting the body.

However, information received by the PSTU Journalists’ Association indicates that on September 14, 2025, Deputy Registrar Aminul Islam Titu withdrew BDT 142,000 citing his mother’s illness. On January 11, 2026, Deputy Registrar Sharif Mehdi withdrew BDT 117,000 for his own medical treatment. Earlier, on December 28, 2025, Deputy Registrar Abu Bakkar withdrew BDT 133,000 citing his son’s illness, while on May 28, 2025, Deputy Registrar Md. Shahjalal withdrew BDT 127,000 for his child’s treatment. All of them are reportedly considered close associates of the current Vice-Chancellor.

Concerned parties argue that the welfare fund is primarily intended to assist employees facing severe illness or extreme financial hardship during service or after retirement. In that context, the allocation of such large sums to senior officials has raised questions about compliance with the policy.

It has also been alleged that the officials concerned belong to influential and financially solvent families and receive monthly salaries exceeding BDT 100,000, including allowances. This has led to questions over how they qualified for welfare assistance meant for those in financial distress.

Speaking on condition of anonymity, an official of the university’s Zia Parishad said, “Discussions are ongoing within the university regarding these welfare fund allocations. If financially well-off and politically influential individuals withdraw money from the welfare fund, it raises serious ethical concerns. If this continues, anyone may attempt to access the fund at will in the future.”

Responding to the allegation, Deputy Registrar Sharif Mehdi, one of the beneficiaries, said,“I was facing serious financial hardship. I applied for the welfare fund following proper procedures due to my illness and received the money accordingly. For further details, you may contact the Accounts and Finance Section. I have nothing more to add.”

When asked about the matter, Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. Kazi Rafiqul Islam said,“I approved the allocation strictly in accordance with existing rules. I do not believe any irregularities occurred. The applicants mentioned extreme financial hardship in their written applications. It is not always possible for me to fully assess their internal financial conditions.”