A section of students and campus organisations at Jamalpur Science and Technology University (JSTU) have raised objections over the appointment of Assistant Professor Imrul Kabir of the Department of Social Work to several important administrative committees, citing allegations of his past involvement with the banned Bangladesh Chhatra League.
Despite criticism over his inclusion in a committee formed to observe the July uprising, the teacher was recently appointed as a member of another sensitive committee tasked with revising the university’s teacher and employee recruitment and promotion policy.
According to university sources, an office order issued by the registrar’s office on 24 August formed a seven-member committe to amend and update the “Teacher Employee Recruitment and Promotion (Upgradation) Policy 2022”. Imrul Kabir was included as the fah member of the committee.
Earlier on 2 August, he was named as a member of a 10-member comminee formed to organise programmes marking the July uprising.
After photographs and information allegedly showing his participation in different programmes of the then ruling party backed Chhatra League circulated on social media and on campus, several teachers and students expressed dissatisfaction over his repeated inclusion in key commitees.
National Student Force JSTU unit Convener Liton Akand said individuals accused of opposing the July movement or democratic values should not hold important university positions.
He demanded an investigation into the allegations against Imral Kabir and urged the administration to take action based on the findings.
JSTU Chhatra Dal Member Secretary Zeenat Mia Azizul said his organisation had always raised concems about individuals allegedly linked to the previous ruling party and Chhatra League politics.
“We urge the administration to reconsider his responsibilities and redistribute the duties if necessary,” he said.
Bangladesh Islami Chhatra Shibir JSTU Unit Secretary Fahad Ahmed said allegations regarding Imrul Kabir’s past involvement in Chhatra League politics should be investigated before assigning him sensitive administrative responsibilities.
He demanded a neutral inquiry and a clear position from the university administration.
Responding to the allegations, Imrul Kabir said he had attended some programmes during his first year at Dhaka University because students living in halls were required to participate.
“I did not hold any post or position. If any inappropriate comments were made by me on WhatsApp groups or elsewhere, I acknowledge that it should not have happened,” he said.
He added that he did not take any position against students or the public during the July movement and that he had been performing his duties as a teacher after joining JSTU.
“If the administration assigns me responsibilities considering my qualifications, I will carry them out,” he said.
Campus stakeholders said the university should review the composition of policy-making committees to maintain academic transparency and institutional credibility.
