Look into the graft allegations: TIB to JU

Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) expressed its concern over irregularities and allegations of corruption in the on-going development project at the Jahangirnagar University (JU). 

Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) also expressed its solidarity with the teachers and students, enraged by the alleged corruption and irregularities. 

TIB urged the JU authority to launch an investigation into the unplanned development works in and around the university campus that is threatening to its bio-diversity.

Several media reports point finger at JU authority for giving Bangladesh Chhatra League, student wing of the ruling party, Tk 2 crore so that it doesn’t stand in the way of a Tk 1,445-crore campus development project. 

The protestors demanded for a judicial probe into the allegations of corruption and irregularities, involving the mega project. Apart from allegations of corruption and irregularities, they are also enraged as the tree in and around the campus have been falling pray of the construction project. 

Dr Iftekharuzzaman, executive director, TIB, in a statement on Thursday said: “Accountability and transparency is a must in all the development works that go on in and around the educational institutions. It is the responsibility of the university authorities to ensure this.”

“JU’s failure in this regard triggered agitation among the students, a situation that is is unacceptable and embarrassing,” said Dr Iftekharuzzaman, while adding that the JU authority should try to resolve the agitation through discussion with the protestors. 

 “It’s dubious why the university authority didn’t release the development data in due time,” he said.           

Congenial atmosphere at JU may be hampered, in case the university authority fails to resolve the issues by peaceful means, said the TIB release.