The administration of Islamic University (IU) has decided to lay off 268 day-labourers and employees, citing the university’s financial crisis and directives from the University Grants Commission (UGC).
Professor Dr AKM Matinur Rahman, vice-chancellor of Islamic University, confirmed the matter on Wednesday. Earlier, the decision was taken at the university’s 276th Syndicate meeting held on November 1. According to the administration, nearly Tk 21 lakh is spent every month on salaries and allowances for these employees. However, the university lacks sufficient funds of its own to bear this expense. The university is even having to take loans to pay the salaries of its regular employees.
Despite a manpower shortage in various departments and offices over a long period, UGC approval and fund allocation were not received for necessary recruitment, according to sources. Consequently, under special consideration, these employees were appointed on a contractual basis and under lump-sum allocations. A section of them were recruited under the ward quota. Despite discharging their duties for a long time since their appointment, many did not receive permanent recruitment.
The Syndicate meeting took the decision concerning the employees following a letter from the UGC. The university’s own fund is facing a financial crisis, and no allocation has been received from the government or the UGC to cover their salaries and allowances. Under these circumstances, it is not possible to continue paying their salaries, Professor Dr AKM Matinur Rahman, vice-chancellor, told the media regarding the issue.
Nearly Tk 21 lakh is required every month to pay these employees. Even last month, their salaries had to be paid by borrowing money. It is painful for them not to receive salaries after working. With a major deficit in the university budget, this expenditure cannot be sustained for long through loans, Matinur added.
According to the Syndicate’s decision, their outstanding salaries for the last three months will be paid. However, no final decision has yet been taken regarding alternative employment or future recruitment for them after losing their jobs, said the vice-chancellor.
