Coordinator Appointed as RU Information Officer Without Job Circular

RU Correspondent

Defying directives from the University Grants Commission (UGC), Rajshahi University (RU) has appointed Rashedul Islam, also known as Rashed Rajon, a known supporter of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement (BAICHA), as an information officer on an ad-hoc basis.

The appointment, made through an office order signed by Acting Registrar Professor Iftikharul Alam Masud on Monday, has sparked criticism on social media platforms.

Several years ago, the UGC issued instructions to RU to halt ad-hoc, master roll, security personnel, and outsourcing recruitments without prior approval. This appointment violates those guidelines.

The office order states:

“Rashedul Islam has been appointed as an Inquiry and Information Officer on an ad-hoc basis for six months in the Public Relations Office of Rajshahi University at a salary of 23,100 taka under the 22,000–53,060 taka pay scale. The appointment is effective from the joining date.”

Rashedul, who graduated from the university’s Urdu department in 2019 with a CGPA of 2.778 and completed his post-graduate degree in 2020 with a CGPA of 3.07, hails from Charghat Upazila in Rajshahi.

During anti-government protests in July-August, Rashedul was arrested on July 29 in the Court Station area of Rajshahi city for alleged sabotage. He was shown arrested in an explosives case and sent to jail on July 31. After a political shift on August 5, he was released from prison. Subsequently, he was introduced in various events as a patron of BAICHA coordinators.

Several RU faculty members noted that ad-hoc appointments are typically made when a department faces staff shortages. However, such appointments must involve qualified and experienced candidates.

Critics, including the RU Student Union (a faction) president, Rakib Hossain, described the appointment as undemocratic. He questioned whether Rashedul’s appointment followed any quota system and demanded clarity.

A Facebook user in the “Rajshahi University Family” group criticized the decision, asking how a first-class government position was filled without any circular or examination.

BAICHA coordinator Salauddin Ammar emphasized the need to investigate the basis of Rashedul’s appointment and whether merit was the determining factor.

RU Chhatra Dal Convener Sultan Ahmed Rahi stated, “We are unaware of any job circular issued by the RU administration. It remains unclear if this is part of a quota system or a reward. Merit should be the sole criterion for employment.”

Acting Registrar Professor Iftikharul Alam Masud confirmed that Rashedul was appointed on the Vice-Chancellor’s orders for six months on an ad-hoc basis.

Vice-Chancellor Professor Saleh Hasan Naquib justified the decision, saying, “I believe Rashed Rajon has the knowledge and experience to contribute to the university. Based on my judgment, I appointed him, and I believe he will positively impact the university.”