Crores in Audit Objections Overlooked in Dr Faiz Administration’s ‘Validation’

A highly controversial decision by the former Chairman of the University Grants Commission (UGC), Professor Dr. Syed Muhammed Abul Faiz, has surfaced regarding the final actions of his administration. Allegations have emerged that despite clear recruitment irregularities and outstanding audit objections, the UGC administration under his leadership moved to "validate" these appointments rather than rectify them. The decision, taken during the 177th Full Commission meeting, revolves around Acting Director Jesmin Parvin and Deputy Director Md. Jamal Uddin (currently on PRL).

Stakeholders argue that instead of taking action against these anomalies, the initiative to resolve them through administrative "recognition" is not just a procedural lapse but a rare instance of institutionalizing irregularities.

The Case of Jesmin Parvin: 1.30 Crore BDT at Stake

Reviewing audit sources and meeting minutes reveals that Jesmin Parvin, currently the Acting Director of the International Cooperation Department, was 36 years, 10 months, and 22 days old when she was appointed as an Assistant Director (7th Grade). The recruitment circular at that time stipulated a maximum age limit of 35 years.

To provide "legal cover" for this clear violation, the Commission retroactively relaxed her age by 1 year, 10 months, and 22 days. This administrative maneuver effectively attempts to wipe out an audit objection requiring her to refund approximately 1.30 crore BDT in salaries, allowances, and promotion-related benefits. While the Education Audit Directorate had previously rejected the officials' explanations as "unacceptable," the UGC administration moved to provide retroactive approval—a move experts say is legally questionable as Service Rule 9(3) is typically intended for use before an appointment, not after.

The Case of Jamal Uddin: Policy Changes for One Individual

An even larger controversy surrounds retired official Md. Jamal Uddin. At the time of his appointment as a Section Officer, he was 39 years, 10 months, and 22 days old—nearly 8 years over the then-maximum age limit of 32.

To resolve his case, the Commission did not stop at a simple approval; it initiated a move to amend the entire recruitment rules. Experts view this as an extreme abuse of administrative policy and power, where a national regulation is being altered solely to legitimize the appointment of one individual. Furthermore, the Full Commission meeting noted that if other similar "cases" exist, they would be granted similar relaxations—a move analysts say opens the door to institutionalizing future corruption.

Financial Loss and Administrative Threat

According to audit officials, these decisions are causing significant financial losses to the government. In the case of Jesmin Parvin alone, the loss is calculated at 1.30 crore BDT. An official from the Education Audit Directorate, speaking on condition of anonymity, stated, "When an audit objection is raised, investigation and action against the responsible parties are expected. Here, the opposite is happening—the irregularity is being validated. This is a threat to administrative discipline."

Education sector analysts expressed deep concern, noting that such precedents deprive qualified candidates and destroy the credibility of institutions. They are calling for a neutral investigation to identify those responsible and ensure the proper settlement of audit objections.

Response from Current Administration

When approached for comment, former Chairman Dr. Syed Muhammed Abul Faiz could not be reached. The current UGC Chairman, Professor Dr. Mamun Ahmed, told The Daily Campus, "I have just joined. I am not aware of these matters, nor am I supposed to be. You should speak with our Public Relations wing."

The Director of the Public Relations Department, Mohammad Jaminur Rahman, stated that while they could speak after consulting with the administration, providing a detailed response would be a time-consuming process.