Taufiq Alam appointed acting VC of Barishal University

Professor Dr Mohammad Taufiq Alam of the Department of Applied Chemistry and Chemical Engineering at Rajshahi University has been appointed as the acting Vice-Chancellor of Barishal University (BU).

The appointment was announced in a notification issued by the Secondary and Higher Education Division of the Ministry of Education on Tuesday night (May 13), by order of the President. The notification was signed by ASM Kasem, Senior Assistant Secretary of the Public General University Section of the Ministry.

According to the notification, "In accordance with Sections 10(1) and 10(3) of the Barishal University Act, 2006, Professor Dr Mohammad Taufiq Alam of the Department of Applied Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Rajshahi University, has been appointed as acting Vice-Chancellor of Barishal University for the interim period until a full-time Vice-Chancellor is appointed."

As per the terms of his appointment, he will receive salary and benefits equivalent to his current position and enjoy other related privileges as per the rules. He will also reside full-time on the university campus as the chief executive officer of the institution. The President and Chancellor reserve the right to terminate the appointment at any time if deemed necessary.

Earlier on Tuesday night, the government relieved Barishal University Vice-Chancellor Professor Shuchita Sharmin of her duties. Along with her, Pro-Vice-Chancellor Professor Golam Rabbani and Treasurer Professor Mamun Or Rashid were also removed.

The move came following allegations of irregularities and administrative arbitrariness against the Vice-Chancellor. Since May 4, students had been staging protests demanding her resignation, which eventually escalated to a hunger strike. In response to the students' demands, the government removed the Vice-Chancellor, Pro-Vice-Chancellor, and Treasurer from their positions.