Two Dhaka University (DU) pro-vice-chancellors have joined a BNP committee overseeing activities related to the upcoming election of 25 registered graduate representatives to the university's Senate, raising questions about potential conflicts of interest and the neutrality of the process.
Pro-VC (Academic) Professor Abdus Salam and Pro-VC (Administration) Professor Mohammad Almujaddade Alfasane were named members of the committee formed by the BNP on September 3 to coordinate graduate registration and review election-related activities of its backed panel, Jatiyatabadi Oikya Parishad.
Their university designations were included in the party's committee list. BNP lawmaker Shahid Uddin Chowdhury Anee is the convener, while DU Syndicate member Professor Md Morshed Hasan Khan is the member secretary.
The university began graduate registration for the election on June 30. The deadline has been extended several times, with the latest extension setting November 30 as the final date.
Under Article 20(1)(j) of the Dhaka University Order, 1973, and Rule 46(1) of the university's First Statutes, 25 Senate representatives are elected from among registered graduates.
DU Department of Peace and Conflict Studies Chairman Professor Sazzad Siddiqui said the involvement of the two senior administrators could appear to create a conflict of interest.
He said their key responsibility would be to demonstrate neutrality and ensure the election process remained impartial, adding that the situation posed a significant challenge for them.
Alfasane, however, said he had joined the BNP committee as an adviser, not as someone responsible for conducting the election. He said the party sought his advice because of his experience in the 2017 registered graduate election.
He dismissed concerns over a conflict of interest, saying teachers could offer advice to political parties while maintaining impartiality in their official roles.
Although he initially said he had been listed as a professor, he acknowledged that the committee list mentioned his current designation as Pro-VC (Administration). He maintained that his role would be limited to providing advice.
Salam also said he saw no conflict between his university position and membership of the BNP committee, arguing that each responsibility should be performed properly.
Asked about the matter, DU Vice-Chancellor Professor ABM Obaidul Islam said the party could decide whom to include in its committees. He added that he was focused on his responsibilities as vice-chancellor and had little time for other activities.