Authorities at Sunamganj Science and Technology University (SSTU) have dismissed recent local media reports and a circulated memorandum targeting their Vice-Chancellor as completely baseless, motivated, and misleading.
In a formal protest letter issued Sunday, Acting Registrar Niaz Abdullah stated that fabricated information is being spread to tarnish the Vice-Chancellor's image and create public confusion about the university's permanent campus and administrative activities.
Addressing the permanent campus, the administration clarified that land selection and acquisition are high-level government policy decisions. The Vice-Chancellor lacks the sole authority to dictate these matters and is simply implementing government directives.
The university also strongly denied allegations of nepotism. It confirmed that the recent hiring of one teacher and four employees was entirely merit-based, adhering strictly to University Grants Commission (UGC) policies and open public notification. Claims that eligible candidates from the Sunamganj or Sylhet divisions were intentionally denied interview cards were labeled false, with the university noting that all applicants were evaluated fairly and no formal complaints had been filed.
Responding to accusations of workplace absence, authorities confirmed the Vice-Chancellor is regularly present on campus. His official trips to Dhaka and elsewhere are conducted via office orders and are required for university business, government meetings, and UGC duties.
The administration further emphasized that the Vice-Chancellor cannot independently alter recruitment terms. Such changes require expert committee recommendations, UGC guidelines, and syndicate approval. Allegations of political bias, illegal syndicate formations, and "recruitment trading" were outright rejected, noting that syndicate board members are nominated through official government gazettes.
Highlighting recent progress, the letter noted that the current administration has secured two rent-free temporary campuses, student hostels, and a double-decker bus. Another bus is currently being acquired with support from Pubali Bank.
Calling SSTU a vital regional institution, authorities accused vested interest groups of spreading misinformation to stall its progress. The university urged the public to disregard the rumors and requested community cooperation to maintain a healthy educational environment.
