BRUR ignores UGC directives, grants 'Illegal' upgradations to 15 employees again

Md. Al Amin Islam, BRUR Correspondent: Begum Rokeya University, Rangpur (BRUR) administration has come under fire for granting unauthorized promotions and job upgradations to 15 employees for a second time, defying clear instructions and warnings from the University Grants Commission (UGC). The UGC declared the promotions "completely illegal and irregular" as they were granted under the university’s "3rd and 4th Class Employee Promotion/Upgradation Policy 2023," a policy not approved by the commission. In response to the persistent non-compliance, the regulatory body trimmed BRUR’s revised budget for FY 2025–26 and the main budget for FY 2026–27, warning of further financial cuts if the irregularities are not rectified immediately. According to UGC documents, an assessment team evaluated the university's budget on November 16–17, 2025, and flagged 29 specific observations. Despite repeated reminders, the university administration failed to resolve these issues. Disregarding a UGC directive issued on January 24, 2024, the university syndicate first upgraded 25 employees to 2nd Class officer positions under its 116th syndicate decision. Subsequently, following the 111th syndicate guidelines, 15 of those same employees were further promoted to 1st Class officer roles. The 15 promoted officers include Md. Mazidul Haque, Md. Mahbur Rahman Prodhan, Md. Motiar Rahman, Md. Jahangir Alam, Md. Asadul Haque, Md. Nahid Parvez, Mst. Monnujan Khatun, Md. Hafizul Islam, Md. Arman Hossain, and Md. Mahmud-Ul-Hasan (all Section Officer Grade-2); Md. Mahabubul Alam, Fahim Mia, Md. Zafrul Islam Sarkar, and Md. Sazedul Karim (Assistant Accounting Officers); and Mst. Lutfa Begum (Cataloger). Following the audit, the UGC assessment team suspended budget allocations under the relevant sector, ordered the university to immediately revoke the illegal promotions, and instructed the recovery of additional salaries disbursed to these employees. Defending the move, BRUR Proctor Dr. Md. Ferdous Rahman stated that a bilateral meeting had taken place with the UGC. "There are discrepancies between the university’s internal laws and UGC regulations. While it may not align with UGC guidelines, it is valid under university statutes. Most of these staff members had been waiting 8 to 12 years for a promotion," he said, adding that trimmed funds might be recouped through other budget heads. When contacted for comments, BRUR Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. Md Showkat Ali declined to speak, saying, "I don't know, talk to the UGC," before disconnecting the phone call. UGC Member Professor Dr. Abdullah-Al-Mamun assured action, stating, "The matter has come to our attention. We will investigate whether any irregularities or procedural violations took place."