SUST Students Boycott Classes Over Alleged Illegal Teacher Recruitment

Students of the Petroleum and Mining Engineering (PME) Department at Shahjalal University of Science and Technology (SUST) have been boycotting classes and exams for two weeks. They are protesting the appointment of Tajbiul Islam as a teacher, claiming he did not meet the minimum qualifications set in the recruitment notice. The department head, Professor Shafiqul Islam, confirmed that Tajbiul's CGPA of 7.35 from his Indian institute converts to 3.21 on Bangladesh's 4.0 scale, below the required 3.50 for both bachelor's and master's degrees.

The recruitment notice issued on 20 February 2024 clearly required a minimum CGPA of 3.50 in both degrees. Despite this, Tajbiul was given a viva card and appointed. A three-member investigation committee formed on 8 October found the appointment irregular and recommended withholding his salary and terminating him. The 235th syndicate meeting sought legal opinion from the university's law adviser, but sources allege the administration did not follow up.

Tajbiul filed a writ in the High Court on 25 January to join the job. He visited the university with the writ copy on 2 February. Students then announced a full boycott of classes and exams from 3 February, demanding cancellation of the appointment. They warn of tougher programs if no resolution is reached.

Department head Professor Shafiqul Islam said the appointment was irregular under the previous VC Farid's tenure. He supports the students' legitimate demands and noted the severe teacher shortage in the department. The administration has appealed to quash the writ, with a hearing expected in the chamber judge next week.

Deputy Vice-Chancellor Professor Sajedul Karim said the university has taken steps to quash the writ using the department head's preferred lawyer. Tajbiul could not be reached for comment despite multiple attempts.