Dhaka University (DU) administration recently appointed Firoz Shah to permanent vacant post in Registrar's Office without issuing job circular or conducting competitive examination. Firoz, who currently works as Vice-Chancellor's (VC) Protocol Officer, received promotion to Upper Division Assistant position, triggering widespread criticism.
Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. Niaz Ahmed Khan on Friday attempted to distance himself from controversy, stating, "I just transferred Firoz here. Once my tenure is over, he will be sent back to Department of Development Studies."
Reports indicate appointment occurred last November through executive order from the VC, moving Firoz from previous role as office assistant in Department of Development Studies to prestigious third-class position.
"Even after lot of preparation, there is always uncertainty regarding jobs. We have heard about irregularities in recruitment at public universities before. Such practices are unexpected from post-uprising administration," lamented job aspirant Hriday Sakhawat.
Investigation reveals complex recruitment process began shortly after the Professor Niaz Ahmed Khan assumed vice-chancellorship in August last year. Sources claim Firoz, alongside Vice-Chancellor's Private Secretary Abdur Rahman and Assistant Registrar Moniruzzaman, lobbied VC's office for appointment.
With apparent vice-chancellor's approval, key officials including Department of Development Studies Chairman, Deputy Registrar Salma Binte Haque, and officer Golam Morshed, held meeting with Registrar Munshi Shamsuddin, resulting in Firoz's appointment.
When questioned about involvement, VC's PS Abdur Rahman denied participation stating, "I was not involved in recruitment process. Registrar would know about it." Moniruzzaman similarly distanced himself, claiming, "Recruitment file did not come to me. I have no knowledge about it."
Officer (Administration-8) Golam Morshed defended appointment, explaining, "If Vice-Chancellor wishes, he can make such appointment through executive order. There was no deviation from rules." Reports suggest appointment file bypassed Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Administration) Saima Haque Bidisha's office, instead being directly handled from Vice-Chancellor's office.
Acting Registrar Munshi Shams Uddin Ahmed justified process, saying, "As office assistant, Firoz Shah was receiving salary equivalent to Upper Division Assistant. Although post was not same in designation, salary was similar, so, based on authorities' decision, he was made Upper Division Assistant."
When contacted for comment, Firoz provided limited response: "Authorities appointed me to this position. I cannot comment further."
Appointment has raised serious questions about transparency and fairness in university recruitment practices, particularly as Upper Division Assistant positions typically require bachelor's degree minimum qualification and candidates must successfully complete written and oral examinations.
