Rangamati, Aug. 11 (V7N) — The Bangladesh Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD) unit at Rangamati Science and Technology University (RSTU) has called for a comprehensive investigation and financial audit into recruitment processes, development projects, construction works, procurement and other financial activities carried out during the tenure of former Vice-Chancellor Professor Atiar Rahman.
The student organisation has also demanded the prompt publication of an investigation report into allegations of irregularities and corruption against the university’s current acting Planning and Development (P&D) officer.
The demands were made in a press release signed on Monday by Sharif Uddin, joint convener and office affairs secretary of the university’s JCD unit.
According to the statement, RSTU is a public university funded with public money and should therefore ensure transparency and accountability in its recruitment, financial management, development projects and administrative activities.
The JCD alleged that various concerns had been raised over recruitment processes, development projects, construction works, procurement and financial activities during Professor Atiar Rahman’s tenure as vice-chancellor. It called for those matters to be independently and impartially examined on the basis of official documents.
The organisation also demanded separate investigations into major recruitment processes conducted during the former vice-chancellor’s tenure, along with a comprehensive audit of development projects, construction works and procurement activities that were completed or remained ongoing during that period.
It said legal action should be taken against anyone found responsible for irregularities or corruption following an investigation.
The demands come amid recent protests by a group of RSTU students over development projects and allegations concerning the university’s acting P&D officer. The students have reportedly used social media to raise their concerns and have also issued an ultimatum to the vice-chancellor and held a hunger strike.
The JCD has called for an investigation into the allegations raised by the protesting students. At the same time, some student leaders and teachers have questioned the manner in which allegations involving the university have been circulated on social media.
They argued that complaints of corruption or irregularities against an individual should first be submitted to the vice-chancellor in writing, together with specific allegations and supporting evidence. If the university authorities fail to address the complaints, they said, peaceful and democratic forms of protest could subsequently be pursued.
JCD leaders said allegations of corruption and irregularities should be investigated, but cautioned that portraying the entire university as corrupt on social media before any investigation is completed could damage the institution’s reputation.
The president of the RSTU JCD unit said the organisation supported the demands of the protesting students for an investigation. He said the JCD had also called on the university’s highest authorities to investigate the activities undertaken during the former vice-chancellor’s tenure and the allegations against the current acting P&D officer.
He also said that individuals found responsible for wrongdoing should face action, but alleged misconduct by an individual should not be used to portray the entire university negatively.
The student organisation has also raised concerns about internal discipline at the university, referring to RSTU’s Proctorial and Disciplinary Policy.
The university administration published the policy on Jan. 15, 2026, setting out various provisions concerning student conduct and discipline. According to Clause (d), arrogant or disrespectful behaviour by a student towards a university teacher, officer or employee for any purpose is considered a serious disciplinary violation.
JCD leaders questioned whether visible action was being taken against those accused of disrupting the university environment or violating disciplinary rules. They said consistent enforcement of the disciplinary policy for all students could contribute to a healthier academic environment.
Meanwhile, questions have also emerged regarding the appointment and administrative status of Abdul Gafur, the university’s current acting P&D officer.
According to information provided by relevant parties, Gafur was appointed by the Ministry of Education, and a government order reportedly identifies the ministry as his controlling authority.
Some students have therefore questioned whether it would be appropriate to seek the removal of an official accused of wrongdoing without first formally presenting the allegations to the relevant controlling authority and the university administration.
They said allegations should be verified through a formal investigation and that any proven misconduct should be dealt with in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.
Amid the ongoing debate, there appears to be broad agreement among different groups of students that allegations concerning development projects, recruitment and financial activities at RSTU should be subject to an impartial investigation if credible evidence exists.
At the same time, stakeholders have called for caution against labelling any individual or institution as corrupt before an investigation establishes the facts and have urged people not to circulate unverified allegations on social media.
The JCD has called for the allegations concerning recruitment, development projects, construction works, procurement and financial activities during Professor Atiar Rahman’s tenure, as well as those involving the current acting P&D officer, to be examined under the same standard of independent and impartial scrutiny.
Stakeholders said the most effective way to establish the facts would be to examine official documents, audit reports, project expenditure records, recruitment-related documents and statements from the relevant individuals.
They expressed hope that any investigation would be conducted not to harass or protect any particular party, but to identify genuine irregularities and strengthen transparency, accountability and the academic environment at the university.
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