Established with funds from garment industry owners, the Bangladesh University of Fashion and Technology (BUFT) was intended to be owned by the general members of the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA).
However, it has come to light that control of the university has been in the hands of a powerful faction within the BGMEA.
This group, comprising influential members of the garment sector organization, now holds the reins of BUFT, while the general members remain under the impression that the university is under BGMEA’s ownership. The university’s assets are in the region of several hundred crores of taka, highlighting the significant financial stakes involved in this ownership dispute.
In 1999, the BUFT was established in Uttara with funds provided by the BGMEA, initially setting it up in a rented floor of a building. Designed as an affiliate of BGMEA, the university's management was intended to be overseen by the BGMEA Board of Directors. However, recent reports have revealed that this directive has not been followed, raising concerns about the university’s governance and operational oversight.
However, it operates under a 21-member Board of Trustees, which has been exercising full control over the university’s administrative and financial decisions since 2011.
This structure was intended to ensure that BUFT could function autonomously, focused on its mission to provide specialized education in the fashion and textile industries.
Lack of Transparency
The absence of clear communication and transparency regarding BUFT's financial activities has further fuelled suspicions. Members argue that despite repeated requests, there has been no disclosure of financial statements or any other form of accountability from the university's management. This has raised significant concerns about potential mismanagement or misuse of funds.
Influence of the Trustee Board
While BUFT is overseen by a board of trustees, the allegations suggest that this board may not be functioning independently.
Critics argue that the board's decisions are being heavily influenced by a select group with vested interests, undermining the institution's founding principles. The lack of regular trustee meetings and the apparent concentration of power within this influential group have only deepened the concerns.
Uncovering the secret formation of Board of Trustees
A review of the BUFT governance has revealed a controversial shift in the institution's leadership.
Initially, the establishment guidelines for BUFT stipulated that members of the BGMEA leadership would serve as trustees.
However, a recent investigation has exposed that this decision was circumvented by a vested interest group.
Records from the Registrar of Joint Stock Companies and the University Grants Commission disclose that in 2011, nine individuals were covertly appointed to the Board of Trustees. This move was carried out without the BGMEA's knowledge or approval. The individuals included Chairman Muzaffar Uddin Siddique, Abdus Salam Murshedi, Tipu Munshi, Nasir Uddin Chowdhury, Shafiul Islam (Mahiuddin), Farooq Hasan, Siddiqur Rahman, SM Mannan (Kachi), and Riaz bin Mahmud.
In the following years, the board expanded with the addition of twelve more members: Salahuddin Ahmed, Md. Atiqul Islam, Mohammad Nasir, Qutubuddin Ahmed, Arshad Jamal (Dipu), Khondkar Rafiqul Islam, Mashiul Azam (Sajal), Rafiqul Islam, Md. Mohidul Islam Khan, Sajjadur Rahman Mridha, Zakir Hossain, and Abdullah Hill Rakib.
It has been noted that this Board of Trustees, as constituted, should have been officially registered under the Societies Registration Act of 1860 to manage BUFT. The deviation from established protocols raises questions about the legitimacy and transparency of the current board's formation.
The true ownership of the BUFT is under scrutiny, with claims suggesting that the Board of Trustees, rather than the BGMEA, holds de facto control. Trustees have frequently asserted their ownership of the university in various public forums, but in practice, BGMEA’s role appears limited to mere nominal ownership.
For over a decade, this disconnect has led to a significant lack of transparency. The BGMEA has not been informed of BUFT's income, expenditures, or other financial matters, leaving the organization in the dark about the university's financial operations.
Additionally, the University Grants Commission (UGC) is also lacking a comprehensive financial statement for BUFT, further complicating oversight and accountability.
After the ouster of Sheikh Hasina on August 5, the new council was formed under the leadership of Khandaker Rafiqul Islam in the context of the demand for a change in the leadership of BGMEA. The new council includes several former members.
The current BGMEA council could not comment on the matter.
A member of the BUFT Board of Trustees, who wished to remain anonymous, told Dhaka Tribune that the university’s governance is designed to be independent. "The Board of Trustees operates separately from BGMEA to ensure that BUFT can meet its educational goals without external influence," the trustee stated. They further noted that the board is committed to transparency and integrity, although recent allegations have prompted internal reviews to address concerns.
UGC’s perspective
The University Grants Commission (UGC), which oversees higher education institutions in Bangladesh, has acknowledged the concerns raised about BUFT’s governance.
A top UGC official at the Private University Division told this reporter, "While BUFT is not owned by BGMEA, we are monitoring the situation closely to ensure that the university adheres to proper governance practices. If necessary, we will step in to ensure compliance with regulations and to protect the interests of students and stakeholders."
Recent controversies
The independence of BUFT’s governance has come under scrutiny following allegations that an influential group within the Board of Trustees has taken over control, sidelining other stakeholders, including BGMEA members.
These concerns have led to calls for greater transparency and accountability in the university’s operations, particularly regarding financial management and decision-making processes, according to BGMEA and BUFT insiders.
However, the university apex body UGC's involvement suggests that further action may be taken to ensure that the university remains true to its founding principles and operates with the highest standards of transparency.
