BRUR Pro-VC post vacant for 2.5yrs

The administrative uncertainty at Begum Rokeya University, Rangpur (BRUR) continues, with the post of pro-vice-chancellor lying vacant for around two and a half years and a newly appointed treasurer yet to assume office more than a month after his appointment.

The prolonged vacancy in the two key administrative positions has raised concerns among teachers, students, officials and employees about the university’s administrative coordination and financial management.

The post of pro-vice-chancellor has remained vacant since March 2024, when the four-year tenure of the university’s first pro-vice-chancellor, Prof Dr Sarifa Salowa Dina, ended.

Meanwhile, the treasurer’s post remained vacant for nearly two years following the resignation of the then treasurer, Prof Dr Mujib Uddin Ahmed, on August 17, 2024.

According to university sources, the Education Ministry appointed Prof Dr Sarifa Salowa Dina, a professor of the Department of Bangla, as BRUR’s first pro-vc on March 10, 2020.

 She served in the position until March 2024. No new pro-vice-chancellor has been appointed since the expiry of her tenure. Teachers and officials said the pro-vice-chancellor plays an important role in coordinating academic and administrative activities and assisting the vice-chancellor in running the university.

The position also has a role in overseeing academic affairs, coordinating various policy-making committees and ensuring coordination in the university’s overall management.

With the position remaining vacant for an extended period, many of these responsibilities have had to be handled by the vice-chancellor and other administrative officials, they said. Under Section 12(1) of the Begum Rokeya University Act, 2009, the chancellor may appoint a university professor as pro-vice-chancellor for four years under conditions determined by the chancellor, when deemed necessary.�"UNB