Dhaka University’s internal investigation committees formed in response to corruption allegations have remained largely inactive for months, raising questions over institutional accountability and administrative seriousness in addressing misconduct.
Earlier this year, on January 13, allegations surfaced that a temporary employee at the university’s Examinations Control Office demanded Tk 5,000 from a medical student in exchange for urgent certificate processing.
The employee reportedly claimed involvement in a syndicate and named a senior official as the alleged coordinator.
Following the allegation, the university formed an investigation committee.
However, nearly three months later, no formal meeting of the committee has taken place.
Registrar Munshi Shams Uddin Ahmed said he had spoken with the Controller of Examinations regarding the issue but was not fully aware of the committee’s progress, suggesting further inquiries be directed to the Controller’s office.
The Controller of Examinations confirmed that the committee includes two assistant proctors from different faculties.
However, members have reportedly not been able to schedule a meeting.
One committee member, Assistant Proctor Mohammad Mahbub Quaisar, said he was unaware of his formal inclusion in the committee and had not received clear instructions regarding its activities.
Another member could not be reached despite attempts, with university staff stating she had been engaged in examination duties.
Meanwhile, the accused employee has denied wrongdoing, claiming he has been falsely implicated in a conspiracy.
Concerns over inactive committees are not limited to this case. Separate allegations recently emerged regarding alleged ragging incidents involving students at a university residential hall.
However, no visible progress has been made in forming or activating an inquiry committee in that case either.
Attempts by journalists to access CCTV footage related to the hostel incident were reportedly denied by the hall administration, further fueling concerns over transparency.
University insiders say a recurring pattern has developed where committees are announced following allegations but fail to take meaningful action afterward.
In many cases, members are either unaware of their responsibilities or unable to convene, while administrative offices shift responsibility.
The situation has raised broader concerns about the effectiveness of Dhaka University’s anti-corruption and disciplinary mechanisms, with critics arguing that inquiries often remain procedural rather than investigative in nature.
NRE/SH
