Probe into BRUR project irregularities ‘without influence’

The University Grant Commission (UGC) authority in an official statement on Saturday said their investigation into the allegation of major irregularities in the implementation of the special development project of Begum Rokeya University, Rangpur was unbiased. 

"The commission unequivocally wants to say that the investigation into the allegations of irregularities in the special development project of BRUR has been finished completely independently and without influence," said the official statement signed by UGC Public Relations Director Dr Shamsul Arefin. 

It also reiterated that there is no chance of the Education Minister or anyone else influencing at any stage of the investigation. 

The statement also condemned the comments of BRUR VC Nazmul Ahsan Kalimullah. "His remarks about the Education Minister and the inquiry committee are unwelcome and undesirable. This is by no means expected of a person holding a responsible position like the Vice-Chancellor." 

Earlier on 4 March, BRUR VC held a press briefing in the capital and announced rejection of the UGC probe report that found several irregularities against him. He blamed the education ministry for interfering in the investigation process. 

The ministry ruled out the allegation, saying that the UGC is an autonomous body and there is no scope for the education minister as well as the ministry to interfere in its investigation process. 

Rejecting the probe report, VC Kalimullah said, "I reject the UGC report. It is prepared after being motivated by Education Minister Dipu Moni. So I think she is not desirable as the education minister."  

He also questioned the integrity of UGC, claiming, "I work for 20-22 hours daily for the university, and take rest for only 2/3 hours."

The UGC probe committee had reportedly found the involvement of Professor Nazmul Ahsan Kalimullah in multiple irregularities in the construction of Sheikh Hasina Hall and Dr Wazed Research and Training Institute on the university campus.