Published: 10:42 AM, 21 June 2026
Secret recruitment alleged against IAU VC despite UGC restrictions
Islamic Arabic University Vice-Chancellor Professor Abu Jafor Khan has come under scrutiny following allegations that several key administrative appointments were made in violation of directives from the University Grants Commission (UGC), the Ministry of Education and the university's own syndicate.
According to written complaints submitted to the Ministry of Education, the UGC and the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), the university administration has already appointed a controller of examinations without syndicate approval and is reportedly finalising appointments to several other important posts, including director of finance, madrasa inspector and two dean positions.
The allegations have raised fresh concerns over transparency and accountability at the university, particularly as the recruitment process has allegedly continued despite an ongoing investigation into previous claims of irregularities in appointments. University sources said the latest recruitment activities were initiated even though a high-level UGC committee is currently investigating allegations of nepotism, procedural violations and financial misconduct related to earlier appointments.
An official of the university, requesting anonymity, alleged that large sums of money had been exchanged in connection with the recruitment process and warned that irregular appointments could result in financial losses for the state. "Serious allegations of financial transactions have been raised over these appointments. If recruitment is carried out in violation of regulations, it could create administrative complications and cause financial damage to the government," the official said. According to university sources, Mohammad Emdadul Haque, controller of examinations at Netrokona University, has been appointed as controller of examinations at Islamic Arabic University and has already joined the post.
Sources also said that Professor Dr Idris Ali of the Department of Da'wah and Islamic Studies and Professor Dr Golam Rabbani of the Department of Al-Quran and Islamic Studies at Islamic University, Kushtia, have received appointment proposals for other senior positions. Several prospective appointees have reportedly applied for lien leave from their current institutions.
Confirming the appointment, Mohammad Emdadul Haque said he had applied for lien leave and joined the university.
"I am serving as a controller of examinations at a university. I do not intend to remain here and will withdraw my appointment letter," he said.
University Treasurer Shahinul Islam said he was unaware of the appointment despite being a syndicate member.
"I came to know about the matter only today. If any appointment has been made without syndicate approval, it was not carried out in accordance with the rules," he said.
Pro-Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr Mohammad Shahidul Islam also said he learned about the issue from journalists.
"Later, the vice-chancellor informed me that a controller of examinations had been appointed," he said.
Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Administration) Professor Ilias Ali Siddiqui said he was also unaware of the recruitment process.
"I am not aware of the appointments. I will discuss the matter with the vice-chancellor on Sunday," he said.
Repeated attempts to contact Vice-Chancellor Professor Abu Jafor Khan for comment were unsuccessful.
