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Rajshahi University (RU) Vice-Chancellor (VC) Prof Saleh Hasan Naqib on Thursday reaffirmed his administration's commitment to ensuring transparency in both teacher recruitment and the Rajshahi University Central Students' Union (RUCSU) election, dismissing allegations of irregularities and bias.
Speaking at a press conference at the university's Senate Building, the VC said the RU Election Commission conducted the long-awaited RUCSU polls strictly in line with the constitution and without showing favouritism.
"The RU Election Commission did not show bias in any way. Participation was voluntary. Those who chose not to join had their own reasons - this does not mean there was partiality," he said.
The RUCSU election, being held after several decades, has sparked widespread debate on campus and beyond. Different student groups have questioned the neutrality of the election commission and the administration, with some parties boycotting parts of the process.
Prof Naqib, however, rejected the criticisms as "baseless," stressing that the polls were free and fair. He also cautioned students against using "obscene or degrading" language during demonstrations, saying such behaviour undermined the spirit of democratic expression.
Turning to teacher recruitment, the VC claimed his administration had introduced stricter measures to uphold meritocracy.
"Every oral examination is conducted with subject-relevant questions only. Personal relations, acquaintances, or recommendations play no role. We have implemented a new system to ensure transparency. Anyone who has violated the rules has had to face the consequences," he said.
His remarks come amid longstanding allegations that teacher appointments at RU are influenced by political connections or favouritism - charges he denied.
The press conference was attended by Pro-Vice Chancellor (Administration) Prof Dr Mohammad Main Uddin, Treasurer Prof (retd) Md Matiar Rahman, and Public Relations Officer Prof Md Akhtar Hossain Majumder.
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