A long-standing feud between the Vice Chancellor (VC) and Pro-Vice Chancellor (Pro-VC) factions at Patuakhali Science and Technology University (PSTU) has escalated into violence and administrative paralysis, leaving the campus dysfunctional for over six months.
The conflict recently peaked when BNP-aligned teachers and officials, protesting for the VC’s removal, were reportedly attacked by a rival local group allegedly backing the VC. Following the incident, PSTU Security Officer Mukit Mia filed a police case against 26 individuals. One suspect was arrested on Wednesday, with local Jubo Dal leader Ripon Sharif named as the prime accused.
The ongoing crisis traces back to the 57th Regent Board meeting and the promotion selection board in December. The Pro-VC faction alleges that VC Professor Dr. Kazi Rafiqul Islam unilaterally issued office orders for decisions unapproved by the board.
Out of 24 promotion applicants, only three were approved after the VC allegedly formed an alternative evaluation committee against university regulations. The rejection of promotions for Dr. A.B.M. Saiful Islam and Assistant Professor Jinat Nasrin Sultana both reportedly aligned with Pro-VC Professor Dr. S.M. Hemayet Jahan deepened the rift, visibly splitting the faculty during Victory Day celebrations.
Administrative Chaos and Hostage Claims
The feud has triggered a series of retaliatory administrative changes and public confrontations:
January 1: The VC appointed Dr. Habibur Rahman as the new Registrar after former Registrar Dr. Ikhtiar Hossain reported harassment by Pro-VC loyalists in Dhaka.
January 5: A dispute between Agriculture Dean Dr. Delowar Hossain and the Pro-VC led to the siege of the VC's residence. Despite mediation by a former Home Minister to reinstate the Dean, Dr. Delowar was removed shortly after the meeting concluded.
March 11: The new Registrar submitted a written complaint claiming he was held hostage by Dr. Saiful Islam and forced to sign a letter addressed to the President’s Office.
Accusations of Corruption and Sabotage
The Pro-VC faction accuses VC Dr. Rafiqul Islam of destabilizing the campus through corruption, arbitrary show-cause notices, and mismanagement of the Animal Science faculty's combined degree program.
Conversely, the VC claims the protests are a smokescreen to obstruct ongoing investigations into financial irregularities, including tender manipulation, fake bills, and delays in publishing university diaries. He specifically accused Proctor Professor Abul Bashar Khan of delaying the diaries and ordering the vandalism of the campus’s ‘July Corner’ plaque.
Proctor Khan firmly denied the allegations, calling them "completely baseless and fabricated," and claimed the VC held meetings with the attackers the day before the recent violence.
"A vested quarter is trying to destabilize the campus for personal interests," VC Dr. Rafiqul Islam stated, vowing strict action against corruption. "The administration will not bow to mob pressure."
Pro-VC Dr. Hemayet Jahan could not be reached for comment as he is currently abroad.
