A probe committee formed by the University Grants Commission (UGC) has found the involvement of Prof Nazmul Ahsan Kalimullah, vice-chancellor of Begum Rokeya University, Rangpur, in multiple irregularities in the construction of Sheikh Hasina Hall and Dr Wazed Research and Training Institute.
The committee has submitted its report on irregularities resorted to on the pretext of increasing the cost of the project through alterations of the designs approved by the prime minister.
The probe body recommended that the authorities concerned take legal action against everyone involved, including the VC, his nephew engineer Majnur Quader and other officials.
The negligence and stagnation that had plagued the constructions at Begum Rokeya University were the manifestation of the administration’s immorality, incompetence and personal whims, the committee noted.
“It has caused financial loss to the government, obstructed the creation of educational opportunities and tarnished the image of the university,” the committee stated in the probe report.
VC Prof Nazmul Ahsan Kalimullah would have to bear all responsibilities as the executive head of the university as well as holding the position of project director at a crucial time, they remarked.
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According to the report, the designs of the two buildings had been changed, ignoring the approved development project proposal (DPP).
In addition, construction costs had more than doubled — the cost of Dr Wazed Research and Training Institute was increased from Tk26.87 crore to Tk61 crore, while the cost of Sheikh Hasina Hall rose from Tk51.35 crore to Tk107 crore.
The VC also spent Tk40 lakh on consultation fees even though there was no mention of such fees in the approved DPP.
At a meeting held with the project managers of different universities, under the chairmanship of the education minister, on December 12, 2019, various inconsistencies were noticed in the development project of Begum Rokeya University.
On February 17, 2020, the UGC formed a committee, with Member Prof Muhammed Alamgir as its convener, to investigate the irregularities. The other members of the body are UGC Planning and Development Division Director Dr Ferdous Zaman and Additional Director Dr Durga Rani Sarker.
