The Bangladesh Textile University (BUTEX) is in turmoil as the students, teachers and employees demanded the resignation of Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr Shah Alimuzzaman of the university by today.
The call for the removal of Prof Alimuzzaman is getting louder as he is allegedly involved in massive corruption, embezzlement of university funds and other irregularities.
The protesters gave an ultimatum for Prof Alimuzzaman to resign his post by today (Sunday).
Allegations are rife that the BUTEX VC embezzled university funds, retained his position through bribery and awarded contracts to his own people for supply and development works of the university. He also allegedly recruited people at the university through nepotism and bribery. Prof Alimuzzaman is accused of running the university with dictatorial control, by forming the ‘FAFARS Syndicate,’ a group of his loyalists who are engaged in unethical practices on the campus.
Campus sources said Prof Alimuzzaman consolidated his power by involving former BCL leaders and activists in university affairs. They alleged that he had been appointed as BUTEX VC through influence by former MP Kazi Nabil Ahmed. It is also alleged that Prof Alimuzzaman gave Tk 2 crore to former education minister Dr Dipu Moni to get VC post.
A recent leaked audio clip features Alimuzzaman saying, "I am the VC of Awami League. Even if there is a government, I am Awami League; even if there is no government, I am Awami League. I am proud of it."
The VC is accused of appointing former Chhatra League leaders to key positions and using them as his personal cadre. Allegations of research plagiarism and purchasing his position for Tk 2 crore. Before his appointment on April 30, 2023, he was accused of plagiarising content from the book ‘Knitting Technology: A Comprehensive Handbook and Practical Guide’ by David J. Spencer.
Besides, he is accused of recruiting many people in the university on dubious conditions, including hiring an administrative officer through an illegal contact involving Tk 2 crore sponsorship from MP Kazi Nabil Ahmed.
There are also allegations of financial irregularities, including collecting false bills for housekeeping services. He reportedly made payments to a housemaid from university funds.
Allegations against him also include mismanagement of university tenders and procurement processes. He is accused of receiving Tk 2 crore in advance for awarding contracts and providing benefits to Chhatra League members. Documents related to tender bids were discovered after August 5 from the room of BUTEX BCL president Tariqul Islam Tipu.
The VC is also involved in corruption in non-woven machine procurement. It is claimed that he travelled to China with family members and awarded contracts under the condition of providing additional payments to Spintex Technology Ltd. He allegedly spent Tk 5.8y crore on purchasing machines whose real value is Tk 5.5 crore.
Senior faculty members of the university recently expressed their discontent with Prof Alimuzzaman’s leadership. They alleged devaluation of senior staff and the nepotism shown to the ‘FAFARS Syndicate’ members, who have reportedly been used to exert control over the university affairs.
The syndicate which comprises junior faculty members included Dr Riazul Islam, Dr ATM Faiz Ahmed, Dr Mohammad Farhad Hossain, Dr Emdad Sarkar, Dr Ummul Khair Fatema and Dr Saiduzzaman. All of them enjoyed special benefits during his tenure. They are accused of manipulating different university body elections.
Md Alam, the former member secretary of the BUTEX Employees Association, was attacked by this syndicate members. He said that he spoke in favour of general employees to fulfil their various demands. “But the FAFARS Syndicate removed me from the employees union as a result.”
A senior BUTEX teacher, wishing not be named, said, "This vice-chancellor has very low moral standards. His misdeeds have brought disgrace to our university. He should resign as soon as possible." He also alleged that Pro Alimuzzaman had received the bill from the university treasury by entertaining his personal guests.
Allegation of irregularities in the allocation of university housing has been brought against him. The VC made biased decisions favouring his associates and to accommodate his people loyal to him.
The BUTEX teachers, students and employees demand a thorough investigation into these allegations and immediate resignation of Vice-Chancellor Alimuzzaman.
They also urged the intervention of the interim government to resolve the onging crisis of the university to ensure transparency in the university’s governance.
