Allegations of Favoritism in DU Urdu Department Faculty Recruitment
The selection board for recruiting lecturers in the Urdu Department at Dhaka University (DU) faces accusations of bypassing highly qualified candidates, including PhD holders and top academic performers, in favor of less qualified individuals allegedly affiliated with the Awami League. The board’s recommendations, set to be finalized at the university’s Syndicate meeting at 5 p.m. today, have sparked outrage among excluded candidates and department alumni, who have lodged written complaints with the Ministry of Education, the University Grants Commission (UGC), and the university administration, demanding a merit-based, transparent recruitment process in line with university regulations.
The selection board, convened on 14 August 2025 to fill two permanent lecturer positions, was chaired by DU’s Pro-Vice Chancellor (Academic), Professor Dr. Mamun Ahmed, and included Faculty of Arts Dean Professor Dr. Mohammad Siddiqur Rahman Khan, Urdu Department Chairperson Golam Maula, and professors Dr. Md. Israful and Dr. Golam Rabbani. Over 30 candidates reportedly participated, with the board recommending Md. Shafikul Islam Sihab and Mosa. Alpana Akter for the posts. Critics, including excluded candidates and alumni, allege that the selected candidates lack significant academic achievements, such as research publications, and have ties to the Awami League, specifically citing Sihab’s role as an organizational secretary in the Islami Oikya Jote, led by Alhaj Mesbahur Rahman Chowdhury, with evidence submitted to the administration.
Complainants argue that the selection process ignored university guidelines prioritizing PhD holders and candidates with superior academic records, including faculty firsts, MPhil degrees, multiple first-class results, gold medalists, and top performers across the Faculties of Arts and Social Sciences. They claim that over the past 15 years, the Urdu Department has faced repeated recruitment irregularities, with no appointments made despite job circulars and interviews in 2011, 2014, 2016, 2017, and 2020, allegedly due to administrative bias and “Awami fascist” influence. Following the fall of the Awami League government on 5 August 2024, a new recruitment notice was issued in December, leading to the recent 14 August interviews.
Excluded candidates, including Dr. A. Salam, allege that the board labeled highly qualified senior candidates as “outdated” to justify recommending less qualified individuals, undermining merit and research experience. Dr. Salam told The Daily Campus, “With my PhD and four to five research articles, I could have been appointed as an associate professor based on merit. However, I was excluded due to my SSC and HSC results falling short of the criteria, despite one being relaxed. Others with similar issues have been appointed at DU, so why this discrimination against me? This is unacceptable post-5 August 2024.”
Urdu Department Chairperson Golam Maula denied the allegations, stating to The Daily Campus, “We have no information regarding Awami League affiliations. The board selected candidates based on academic results and viva performance, with no bias or irregularities.” Pro-Vice Chancellor (Academic) Dr. Mamun Ahmed added, “Is there any university rule barring candidates based on political affiliation? We made decisions collectively. Allegations can be submitted in writing for the Syndicate meeting this afternoon. Selection isn’t solely about being faculty first; we consider overall suitability.”
The complainants have urged the administration to investigate the alleged irregularities, adhere to the Ministry of Education and UGC recruitment guidelines, issue viva cards to excluded candidates, and ensure a fair, merit-based process. The outcome of the Syndicate meeting will likely determine the next steps in this contentious recruitment saga.
