Gopalganj Science and Technology University (GSTU) is grappling with a severe shortage of teachers across multiple departments, yet the University Grants Commission (UGC) has shown reluctance in approving new appointments.
The controversy traces back to a news report on 29 November 2025, which alleged irregularities in university recruitment. Following this, the UGC requested in a 2 December letter that all recruitment activities be suspended and sought written explanations to several queries.
The next day, the university administration appeared before the UGC with written responses from department heads and deans of eight recently completed recruitment boards.
University officials, including the vice-chancellor, pro-vice-chancellor, treasurer, department heads, and deans, met former UGC chairman SMA Faiz and Public University member Tanzim Uddin, asserting that no irregularities had occurred.
However, more than two and a half months later, the UGC has yet to issue any verdict on the allegations, leaving recruitment at a standstill. Faculty and students have expressed frustration, blaming UGC’s inaction for the prolonged disruption. They argue that if any irregularities had existed, the commission could have identified and addressed them by now, allowing recruitment to resume.
According to university sources, the UGC has sent two letters to GSTU so far. The first, on 2 December, requested suspension of recruitment and sought explanations regarding several allegations: favouritism in selecting preferred candidates, signing resolutions before board completion, financial irregularities, nominations of underqualified candidates, and bypassing written exams in favour of academic results, presentations, and oral examinations. The university submitted its written response the following day.
On 19 January, the UGC sent another letter asking why written exams were omitted, the names of recruitment board members, marks for academic results, presentations, and viva, copies of signed recommendations, and the syndicate’s decisions. The university responded promptly.
On 5 February, the UGC formed a three-member committee to examine the allegations and submit a report within seven working days. Yet, the committee never commenced work. Later, the UGC changed the convener and issued another letter, but no report has been received even after the deadline expired on 18 February.
Faculty and students say the ongoing deadlock harms students most. In several departments, classes are conducted with only one teacher, making the prolonged suspension of recruitment unacceptable.
Responding to concerns, UGC member Tanzim Uddin Khan said, “The investigation is ongoing. The initial committee had to be reconstituted, which delayed proceedings. The allegations, particularly those involving financial dealings, are serious. We intend to verify all documents and conduct interviews if necessary. Recruitment cannot resume until the truth is established. If needed, positions will be re-advertised.”
Meanwhile, GSTU Vice-Chancellor Hossain Uddin Shekhar defended the process, saying, “The recruitment stage is not complete; only recommendations have been made. Allegations of financial irregularities are deliberate and fabricated. All board members signed their marksheets and attendance. No written complaints have reached us or the UGC. Any delays are due to UGC requests, not administrative negligence. Other universities, such as Rajshahi University, have recruited over 100 staff despite similar circumstances.”
Currently, the university has nearly 10,000 undergraduate and postgraduate students. International standards recommend one teacher per 20 students, meaning GSTU should have 500 faculty members. In reality, only 304 are employed, most of whom are on leave, worsening the teacher shortage and threatening a severe session backlog.
