DU Faces Fresh Controversy Over Recruitment Policy; Transparency Under Scrutiny

Considering Dhaka University's century-long legacy in education, research, and democratic movements, stakeholders emphasize that ensuring transparency, accountability, and equal opportunity in administrative recruitment is of paramount importance

One of Bangladesh's premier higher education institutions, Dhaka University, has once again become the center of controversy over administrative recruitment. Allegations have emerged from various levels of the university administration that recruitment policies have been repeatedly amended to pave the way for the appointment of an Assistant Registrar as a Deputy Registrar. 

According to those raising the concerns, long-established regulations and administrative norms have been bypassed in favor of a specific official through the systematic relaxation of eligibility requirements.

Multiple university sources said that following the national parliamentary election, Suraiya Yasmin Kabita, Assistant Registrar of the Administration-1 Section, was assigned responsibility for the Administration-5 (Council) Section. Widely regarded as one of the university's most important and sensitive administrative units, the office oversees Syndicate agendas, resolutions, and key policy decisions.

Officials familiar with the matter allege that after assuming responsibility for Administration-5, her influence over administrative decisions increased significantly. They argue that despite the presence of several experienced and senior Deputy Registrars, assigning such a critical office to an Assistant Registrar has created dissatisfaction within the administration.

At the center of the controversy is a decision taken at the university's Syndicate meeting on February 25, 2025. According to administrative sources, the Syndicate revised the long-standing eligibility criteria for vacant posts by relaxing one of the qualification requirements for internal candidates. Shortly afterward, a recruitment circular for the post of Deputy Registrar was published.

A section of the administration claims that the relaxed criteria enabled an official who had previously been ineligible to apply. They allege that the entire process was designed to facilitate Suraiya Yasmin Kabita's application and eventual appointment as Deputy Registrar.

Questions have also been raised regarding the official's career progression. Several sources claim that because she reportedly had multiple third-class academic results, she was initially unable to secure regular employment and was first appointed on a "no work, no pay" basis. Later, her work experience was reportedly given special consideration, eligibility requirements were relaxed, and she was promoted to the position of Lower Division Assistant. She subsequently advanced through the ranks to become an Assistant Registrar.

Officials have questioned why recruitment or promotion criteria have allegedly been modified repeatedly in the case of the same individual. They argue that while regular promotions through the established administrative hierarchy are common practice, relaxing eligibility requirements for direct recruitment to a key Grade-IV administrative position undermines merit-based and competitive recruitment principles.

Additional allegations circulating within the university administration claim that the official's brother serves as an influential minister in the current government, allowing her to exercise informal influence over various administrative decisions. According to the complainants, such influence extends to staff transfers, duty assignments, disciplinary measures, and other administrative matters.

Some officials further allege that during the tenure of the Awami League government, she maintained close ties with teachers and officials affiliated with the university's Blue Panel, enabling her to secure administrative advantages. Although she is now said to identify herself as being aligned with the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), the complainants claim there is no evidence of her holding any formal position within the BNP or its student wing.

Several administrative officials have also alleged that regional affiliations have influenced appointments to key administrative offices, with preferred officials allegedly receiving favorable postings. However, the official concerned could not be reached for comment regarding these allegations.

Meanwhile, hundreds of university officials have long been demanding regular promotions from Assistant Registrar to Deputy Registrar. They note that the promotion process for 2024 has yet to be completed. Against this backdrop, they argue that relaxing recruitment criteria for direct appointments instead of completing the pending promotion process is discriminatory.

According to them, the official in question would eventually become eligible for promotion through the normal process. However, they allege that instead of waiting, efforts are being made to accelerate her appointment through changes in recruitment rules. They warn that such practices risk depriving more qualified candidates of opportunities while undermining transparency and the university's institutional reputation.

Discussions within the university also suggest that preparations for interviews for the Deputy Registrar position are already underway and that the recruitment process is being expedited. However, the university administration has not issued any official statement on the matter.

Considering Dhaka University's century-long legacy in education, research, and democratic movements, stakeholders emphasize that ensuring transparency, accountability, and equal opportunity in administrative recruitment is of paramount importance. They have called for an impartial investigation into the allegations, the disclosure of the facts to the public, and the implementation of a transparent recruitment process.