S A Shofiee, Sylhet:
Seven years after its inception, Sylhet Medical University is still struggling to carry out regular academic and administrative activities. The institution remains largely inactive, crippled by allegations of recruitment fraud and ongoing irregularities at its temporary campus.
These concerns were brought to light during a view-sharing session titled “Current Context of Sylhet Medical University and Future Actions”, held on Wednesday morning (April 23) at the Medical Education Unit Auditorium of Sylhet MAG Osmani Medical College.
The meeting was chaired by the university’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Dr. Md. Ismail Patwari, and moderated by Professor Dr. Md. Ziaur Rahman Chowdhury, Principal of Sylhet MAG Osmani Medical College.
At the meeting, the Treasurer of the university, Shah Alam, said that although three Vice-Chancellors have been appointed since its establishment, the university’s activities are being severely disrupted due to the agitation of the officers and employees appointed in the last few years. Currently, Vice Chancellor Professor Ismail Patwari is working in a room at Osmani Medical College as he is unable to work at the temporary campus of the university.
The treasurer said that the first Vice Chancellor Professor Dr. Morshed Ahmed Chowdhury illegally extended the service period of those appointed on ad hoc basis four times without the approval of the syndicate. The University Grants Commission has approved 112 posts, of which about 250 people have been appointed. Of these, the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has submitted a charge sheet to the court after finding evidence of corruption in the appointment of 58 people.
He further said that a joint investigation by the ministry and UGC has found that according to Section 12(10) of the ‘Sylhet Medical University Act, 2018’, the jobs of more than 240 employees who were appointed illegally have been cancelled and their salaries and allowances have been suspended from December 2022. In this situation, those appointed have launched a movement.
They started their agitation in various ways since 2022 and took up residence in the temporary campus of the university from August 5, 2024. During this time, incidents of vandalism, breaking the locks of the lockers and file cabinets of the rooms, looting of emergency documents, bank check books and important documents took place on the campus. The then administration of the university filed a general diary (GD) in this regard with the police station. Later, as it was not possible to carry out administrative activities, the academic activities of the university were transferred to Osmani Medical College.
At the exchange of views, Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. Md. Ismail Patwari said that Sylhet Medical University will one day play a leading role in medical education and research in the country. He said that improved medical services will be ensured by building a 1,200-bed state-of-the-art hospital. This will reduce dependence on treatment outside the country and will lead to local employment and socio-economic development.
He also said that this university will become a model institution with the participation of renowned domestic and foreign specialist doctors. He sought everyone’s sincere cooperation to fully launch Sylhet Medical University.
Political leaders, representatives of various medical colleges, the director of Osmani Medical College Hospital, civil society, journalist leaders and high-ranking officials of the administration were present at the meeting.
