DU irregularities: Part 1
Audit reveals Tk 17cr financial irregularities at Dhaka University
A massive financial discrepancy totaling over Tk 17 crore has been unearthed at the University of Dhaka (DU), stemming from violations of government regulations and University Grants Commission (UGC) directives. A recent audit by the Education Audit Directorate for the fiscal years 2020–2024 has raised 36 specific objections regarding the unauthorized disbursement of electricity allowances, house rents, and salaries related to extended retirement ages.
Key Areas of Financial Loss
The audit report highlights four major sectors where the university bypassed financial discipline, leading to a significant drain on the institution's exchequer:
| Irregularity | Description | Financial Loss |
| Illegal Retirement Extension | Retirement age for officials set at 62 instead of the govt.-mandated 59. | Tk 10.06 Crore |
| House Rent Allowance | Teachers and staff withdrew full house rent while residing in university quarters. | Tk 5.75 Crore |
| Excess Pension/Gratuity | Overpayment due to the calculated 62-year retirement age. | Tk 1.16 Crore |
| Electricity Allowance | Illegal electricity subsidies provided to those already living in DU quarters. | Tk 28.88 Lakh (in one FY) |
Defying UGC and Government Mandates
The audit points out that according to the Public Bodies (Salary and Allowances) Order, 2015, employees residing in official quarters are strictly ineligible for house rent allowances. Furthermore, a UGC circular issued in May 2023 explicitly prohibited any subsidies on electricity, water, or gas for those living in university housing.
Despite these rules, DU authorities continued to disburse these funds. The Audit Directorate noted that such actions are "contrary to financial discipline."
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University Administration’s Defense
Mohammad Saiful Islam, Director of Accounts at DU, defended the expenditures by citing decisions made by the University Syndicate. He argued that Deans and Chairpersons often perform official duties within their quarters beyond office hours, justifying the electricity allowance.
Regarding the retirement age, he stated, "The decision to set the retirement age at 62 was passed by the Syndicate. Everyone in the university is aware of these matters, and discussions are ongoing with the government regarding the audit objections."
Authorities Tight-lipped
When approached for comments:
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Treasurer Prof. M. Jahangir Alam Chowdhury declined to speak directly, referring inquiries to the Pro-VC (Administration).
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Pro-VC (Admin) Prof. Dr. Sayma Haque Bidisha did not respond to phone calls.
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Director General of the Education Audit Directorate, Md. Kamrul Alam, stated that the audit process is ongoing and it would be premature to comment until the finalization of the report.
The Audit Directorate has called for the identification of those responsible and the recovery of the misappropriated funds to prevent future irregularities.
