The Computer Science and Engineering (CSE) Department at Jagannath University (JnU) has been without a chairman for 11 days, disrupting academic activities and frustrating students.
The tenure of the previous chairman ended on September 2, but internal disputes among professors stalled the appointment of a successor. On September 11, the administration, with faculty consent, made Dean Prof. Dr Parimal Bala acting chairman. However, Prof. Dr Mohammad Nasir Uddin challenged the move with a legal notice on September 14, prompting Dr Bala to step down.
Sources said the post had previously rotated between two professors, but four others were recently promoted. While university rules require appointments by seniority, Dr Nasir insists the right to the chairmanship is his, creating a deadlock.
Students said the absence of leadership is already affecting classes. "It's been 11 days without a chairman, and our academic activities are suffering," said Palash, a third-year student.
Vice-Chancellor Prof. Dr Rezaul Karim said he had sought legal advice for a permanent solution, adding: "Unfortunately, a professor has now issued a legal notice against the acting chairman, which has put us in an embarrassing situation."
