Teachers of Cox’s Bazar City College accused governing body of appointing BNP leader MM Akhtar Uddin Chowdhury acting principal violating seniority to cover up corruption and misappropriation by former principal.
According to the college’s teachers and officials, the former principal Kathing Aung, husband of former Awami League MP Ethin Rakhine, misappropriated Tk7.43 crore from the provident fund of teachers and employees and left an additional Tk9.58 crore in unpaid salaries up to October 2024.
They allege that appointing MM Akhtar Uddin Chowdhury, BNP’s Cox’s Bazar district office secretary and former district Chhatra Dal president, was a deliberate move to suppress investigations into the irregularities.
The teachers say that two members of a probe team from the Directorate of Secondary and Higher Education (DSHE) have already stated that Akhtar Uddin Chowdhury ‘has no scope to remain in the acting principal’s post’ as his appointment violated seniority, yet he remains in charge.
Sources say that former principal Kathing Aung served for many years and wife Ethin Rakhine had long served as chairperson of the governing body. Teachers allege that the couple jointly signed all financial transactions, bypassing rules and oversight.
Professor Ariful Islam, an elected teacher representative on the governing body, said the college is preparing to submit a formal written complaint to National University Vice-Chancellor Professor Aman Ullah.
A DSHE investigation report dated 17 May 2025 recommended removing MM Akhtar Uddin Chowdhury from the acting principal position and appointing the most senior assistant professor instead. Acting on the recommendation, DSHE Assistant Director Main Uddin later issued a written order instructing the college to replace him with a senior teacher.
In a separate letter, Directorate of Secondary and Higher Education appointed the Chattogram regional director and assistant director (college) as investigators to investigate the irregularities committed by former principal Kathing Aung.
The probe committee was given 15 working days to submit its report, but teachers say the report has still not been filed.
Another DSHE directive ordered the recovery of funds that the former principal allegedly took as loans from the college fund, as well as excess fees collected from examinations and departments by both the former principal and former vice-principal Abu Jafar. The letters stated that the college could withhold Kathing Aung’s retirement benefits until the misappropriated money is fully repaid.
Despite these instructions, teachers claim no action has been taken and no money has yet been recovered.
Professor Ariful Islam said that National University VC Professor Aman Ullah is scheduled to visit Cox’s Bazar City College this Sunday, and that teachers plan to submit all documents relating to the irregularities during the visit.
Former principal Kathing Aung retired on 15 January this year. The following day, on 16 January, assistant professor SM Akhtar Uddin Chowdhury was appointed acting principal. He formally assumed office on 17 January.
Multiple attempts to contact former principal Kathing Aung were unsuccessful as his phone remained switched off.
Acting principal MM Akhtar Uddin Chowdhury dismissed all allegations as ‘baseless and politically motivated’ saying his appointment followed proper procedure.
He confirmed that an investigation into the former principal is underway and that appropriate action will be taken once it is completed.
He added that the former principal owes the college Tk84 lakh and has been repaying Tk50,000 per month.
