Masud Rumi Mithun, member secretary of the Islamic University unit of Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal, has applied for a grade improvement examination eight years after his undergraduate results were published, in violation of university regulations.

According to the university’s examination ordinance, grade improvement applications must be submitted within 20 days of result publication. Mithun cited political circumstances at the time as the reason for missing the original opportunity, and his late application has sparked discussion on campus.

Mithun, an English Department student from the 2011–12 academic session, received his results in 2017. Despite the eight-year gap, he submitted his application to the department head in the first week of September 2025.

Other students from the same department, including Ullash Mahmud (2011–12 batch) and Tapas Adhikari (2017–18 batch), have also applied for grade improvements. Ullash Mahmud is an active IU Chhatra Dal member and joint secretary of the Jhenaidah district student wing.

Both Mithun and Mahmud have applied for grade improvements in more than 14 courses. According to department sources, the departmental academic committee reviewed their applications and recommended them to the university’s Controller of Examinations. Professor Shahadat Hossain Azad, head of the English Department, noted that the university rules allow grade improvement exams under certain circumstances.

Mithun told reporters, 'I applied for grade improvement because my results were poor. I could not study properly or take exams at that time. Now, with better conditions, I hope to improve my grades.'

Ullash Mahmud said, 'I could not sit for the exams properly back then. My application is purely to appear for the exams.'

Senior university officials said that normally, grade improvement or retake exams must be taken soon after results are published. Long-delayed applications are uncommon but may be considered on humanitarian grounds if required for certification.

However, the university’s 2006–07 and 2017–18 ordinances specify that grade improvement applications must be submitted within 20 days of result publication through the department head to the Controller of Examinations. Failure to do so generally means the original results remain valid, and no further opportunity is granted.

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IU acting controller of examinations M Waliur Rahman said, 'I have not yet received any recommendation from the English Department. Whether grade improvement can be allowed after such a long time is unclear; we will need to review the ordinance.'

IU English department chairman Professor Shahadat Hossain Azad said, 'After the departmental academic committee meeting, recommendations were forwarded to the university authorities. The final decision on whether the grade improvement will be approved depends on their verification and review.'