Pabna University of Science and Technology (PUST) have come to a standstill due to extortion of development projects funds. The strike of the officers has started, the registrar’s office has been cordoned off and an investigation committee has been formed.

The chief engineer of the university has been accused by the officers of the officers’ association of harassing him for not receiving extortion for the development project of PUST.  The university authorities have formed a five-member investigation committee into the incident.

On the other hand, PUST Officers’ Association has started a strike with an ultimatum demanding the resignation of the chief engineer. The stalemate in the university has been caused by the reciprocal allegations of the Engineering Department and the Officers’ Association.

Bijoy Kumar Brhamma, acting registrar of PUST, confirmed the fact of formation of an inquiry committee and saying, “We have received letters from both the parties in the situation that has arisen.

According to a written letter from the engineering department, Aminul Islam, the chief engineer of the university, was assaulted in his room on June 15. The men of the officer association snatched his car key and kicked out from the campus that day.

Specific allegations of extortion have been made against the leaders of the Officers’ Association by the contractors engaged in the development work of the University for the picnic.

The committee has been formed on the instructions of the higher authorities as the allegations are sensitive.

Professor Kamruzzaman, Dean of the Faculty of Business Studies, headed by the investigation committee and I as the member secretary of this investigation team. Other members of the committee are Dean of the Faculty of Engineering and Technology Prof. Saiful Islam, Chairman of the Department of Physics Prof. Khairul Alam, Chairman of the Department of History and Bangladesh Studies Prof. Habibullah. The inquiry committee has been asked to report as soon as possible.

Meanwhile, the leaders of PUST Officers Association cordoned the Registrar’s Office on Sunday.  They removed the acting registrar Bijoy  Kumar Brahmma from his office and hangs the lock on his room.

They have started a strike with an ultimatum demanding the resignation of the chief engineer. There was no work on campus on Sunday due to the strike.

Harun Rashid Dawn, president of the PUST Officers Association, said, various irregularities are going on in the ongoing development projects worth Tk 500 crore to prevent wastage of university funds. Development money is being embezzled by making fake bill vouchers irregularly.   In protest, we issued a memorandum asking for the release of Chief Engineer Aminul Islam.

The university administration did not listen to our demands. Being compelled, we have started a strike from Sunday.

Vice-Chancellor Prof. M Rostam Ali said, “After receiving the report of the five-member investigation committee, necessary steps will be taken accordingly.”

The administrative activities of the university have been stagnant for several days.