The Islamic Arabic University (IAU), a public university that has repeatedly faced allegations of recruitment irregularities and corruption, has once again come under scrutiny over a fresh round of controversial appointments. Despite explicit restrictions imposed by the University Grants Commission (UGC) and the Ministry of Education, the university administration has reportedly initiated a secret recruitment process for several key administrative positions.
According to multiple sources familiar with the matter, the Vice-Chancellor appointed a Controller of Examinations on Thursday and is preparing to appoint four additional senior officials in the coming days. Offer letters have already been issued to selected candidates for several influential posts, including Madrasa Inspector, Director of Finance, and two Dean positions.
Sources allege that the recruitment process has been carried out discreetly, with only the Vice-Chancellor and Registrar fully aware of the developments. They further claim that substantial financial transactions may be linked to the appointments and that the move is aimed at maintaining control over strategically important administrative offices.
The university’s recruitment activities have remained under restrictions due to a series of past controversies involving alleged nepotism, irregular appointments, and financial misconduct. Following those allegations, both the UGC and the university syndicate reportedly suspended all recruitment activities. A high-level UGC investigation committee is also continuing its inquiry into previous recruitment practices.
Despite these restrictions, the university has allegedly proceeded with appointments to five senior positions, including Controller of Examinations, Director of Finance, Madrasa Inspector, and two Deans.
Investigations reveal that the process gained momentum last Thursday. Several candidates have reportedly received appointment offers under the lien system, which allows employees to temporarily serve in another institution while retaining their original positions.
Among those receiving offer letters are Md. Emdadul Haque, currently Controller of Examinations at Netrokona University; Professor Dr. Idris Ali of the Department of Da’wah and Islamic Studies at Islamic University, Kushtia; and Professor Dr. Golam Rabbani of the Department of Al-Quran and Islamic Studies at the same university.
Sources said some candidates have already applied for lien leave from their respective institutions after receiving appointment letters. Emdadul Haque reportedly joined Islamic Arabic University on Thursday.
The reported appointments have raised concerns because even senior university officials claim they were not informed.
Treasurer Shahinul Islam said he learned about the development only after it had already occurred.
“I am a syndicate member, but I came to know about this only today. I was with the Education Secretary yesterday, yet I know nothing about the matter,” he told The Daily Observer.
Pro-Vice Chancellor Professor Dr. Mohammad Shahidul Islam also said he was unaware of the recruitment process.
Repeated attempts to contact Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. Mohammad Abu Jafar Khan for comment were unsuccessful.
Md. Emdadul Haque confirmed that he had received an appointment offer and joined the university. He also said he had applied to Netrokona University for one year of lien leave.
Netrokona University Registrar Dr. Harun-or-Rashid confirmed receiving the application.
Professor Dr. Golam Rabbani also acknowledged receiving an offer letter and applying for lien leave. Attempts to contact Professor Dr. Idris Ali were unsuccessful.
UGC Member Abdullah Al Mamun said the Commission had recently become aware of the matter and would examine whether any rules had been violated.
University insiders say that previous administrations frequently preferred lien appointments over deputation because the system allowed greater discretion in selecting individuals for key positions. This practice has often been criticized for encouraging favoritism and administrative influence.
In response to recurring concerns, the UGC issued a circular in 2024 containing several observations and directives regarding financial management and recruitment at the university.
Clause 13 of the circular states that appointments on deputation must be completed through official orders issued by the Ministry of Education.
In addition, financial regulations reportedly concluded that appointing Registrars, Directors of Finance, and Controllers of Examinations on lien had caused significant financial losses to the university. As a result, future appointments to those posts through lien arrangements were prohibited.
