National University Suspends Controversial Appointment of MP’s Wife to College Governing Body
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The National University of Bangladesh has suspended its recent directive to replace the governing body leadership of Mofazzal Momena Chaklader Women’s College in Savar, following allegations of political nepotism and legal procedural violations. The university’s decision to halt the changes comes shortly after reports surfaced regarding the influence of local lawmaker Dewan Mohammad Salauddin in the management of educational institutions within his constituency.
According to a report by Prothom Alo, the university had issued an order on July 23 to replace the incumbent president of the college’s governing body, Supreme Court lawyer and Jahangirnagar University senate member Shihab Uddin Khan, with Sabina Siddika, the wife of MP Dewan Mohammad Salauddin. The appointment was made eight months before the expiration of Mr. Khan’s two-year term, which was originally slated to conclude in April 2027.
The controversy prompted Mr. Khan to challenge the decision in the High Court, citing improper interference and nepotism. In response, a High Court bench comprised of Justice Ahmed Sohel and Justice Fatema Anwar issued an order on Monday staying the effectiveness of the National University’s July 23 directive for three months. Following the court’s intervention, the university formally notified college authorities that the appointment of the new president and a revised member had been suspended under the instruction of the Vice-Chancellor.
Concerns regarding the management of local institutions had been mounting prior to this reversal. Records indicate that MP Dewan Mohammad Salauddin was appointed president of an ad-hoc committee at Gazirchot Akbar Mondol High School and College on July 9, despite a standing High Court ruling that prohibits members of parliament from serving as heads of private educational institution governing boards. Additionally, the lawmaker’s brother, Dewan Mohammad Moinuddin, was appointed to lead the management committee of Shimulia Shyama Prasad School and College earlier this June.
Acting college principal S.M.A. Zaman confirmed that the institution received notice of the suspension via email. With the National University’s directive now stayed, Shihab Uddin Khan retains his position as president of the governing body, as confirmed by his legal counsel, Nur Ul Matin.
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