The administrative uncertainty at Begum Rokeya University, Rangpur (BRUR) continues, with the post of pro-vice-chancellor lying vacant for around two and a half years and a newly appointed treasurer yet to assume office more than a month after his appointment.
The prolonged vacancy in the two key administrative positions has raised concerns among teachers, students, officials and employees about the university’s administrative coordination and financial management.
The post of pro-vice-chancellor has remained vacant since March 2024, when the four-year tenure of the university’s first pro-vice-chancellor, Prof Dr Sarifa Salowa Dina, ended.
Meanwhile, the treasurer’s post remained vacant for nearly two years following the resignation of the then treasurer, Prof Dr Mujib Uddin Ahmed, on August 17, 2024.
According to university sources, the Education Ministry appointed Prof Dr Sarifa Salowa Dina, a professor of the Department of Bangla, as BRUR’s first pro-vc on March 10, 2020.
She served in the position until March 2024. No new pro-vice-chancellor has been appointed since the expiry of her tenure.
Teachers and officials said the pro-vice-chancellor plays an important role in coordinating academic and administrative activities and assisting the vice-chancellor in running the university.
The position also has a role in overseeing academic affairs, coordinating various policy-making committees and ensuring coordination in the university’s overall management.
With the position remaining vacant for an extended period, many of these responsibilities have had to be handled by the vice-chancellor and other administrative officials, they said.
Under Section 12(1) of the Begum Rokeya University Act, 2009, the chancellor may appoint a university professor as pro-vice-chancellor for four years under conditions determined by the chancellor, when deemed necessary.
The uncertainty surrounding the treasurer’s post has also continued despite the appointment of a new officeholder.
Prof Dr Mujib Uddin Ahmed, the university’s last treasurer, resigned by submitting his resignation letter to the president on August 17, 2024. The post subsequently remained vacant for nearly two years.
After a prolonged vacancy, the Education Ministry’s Secondary and Higher Education Division appointed Prof Dr Md Abu Hanif Sarker of Jagannath University as BRUR treasurer on July 23.
Speaking about his joining, Prof Abu Hanif said, “I was ready to join. But for various reasons, I have not been able to do so. You may contact the officials concerned at the ministry. They may be able to provide the correct information.”
The reasons behind the delay in his joining have not been officially clarified, fuelling speculation among different sections of the university community.
University officials said the treasurer is responsible for an important part of the university’s financial administration, making the prolonged uncertainty over the post a matter of concern.
Several teachers and officials said the university needs a qualified pro-vice-chancellor as soon as possible and that the newly appointed treasurer should be enabled to assume office without further delay.
BRUR Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr Md Showkat Ali said the appointments were not within his jurisdiction.
“These matters are not within my authority. The pro-vice-chancellor and treasurer of the university are appointed by the chancellor, namely the president. Therefore, the authority to make decisions on these matters also rests with him,” he said.
The VC said the university would provide necessary support and complete the required procedures if there was anything it could do from its side.