EUB clarifies status of its Board of Trustees
European University of Bangladesh (EUB) has refuted what it called misleading information and malicious propaganda surrounding its Board of Trustees (BOT) and administrative structure, saying such actions are harming the academic environment and the university's reputation.
Ahmed Farhad Khan, chairman of the current Board of Trustees, said, “My father Md Mokbul Ahmed, voluntarily stepped down from the previous BOT. Following that, we legally reconstituted the new board and submitted all relevant documents to the Registrar of Joint Stock Companies and Firms (RJSC). We received the recorded copy and also obtained NSI clearance. Subsequently, we submitted all documents to the University Grants Commission (UGC). Therefore, the current BOT and its chairman are fully lawful and legitimate,” said a statement sent from the university on Thursday.
He explained that the former chairman filed multiple injunction petitions against the current board. “The initial petition was dismissed by the Joint District Judge Court. He appealed to the District Judge Court, which also rejected it. Later, a civil revision was filed in the High Court, which only issued a rule and asked for maintaining the status quo. We then challenged this in the Appellate Division of the Supreme Court, which stayed the High Court’s order. So far, every court ruling has favoured us. The matter is now awaiting hearing at the High Court. The board’s formation and leadership are now sub judice, and interference is not permissible.”
Regarding recent allegations, Farhad added, “We have been fulfilling our responsibilities lawfully for the past eight months. The accusations against us relate to incidents from 15 years ago, when we had no involvement with university operations,” according to the statement.
He also alleged that a group is trying to illegitimately control the university using students, and said the authorities have gathered evidence and are taking legal action.
Vice Chancellor Prof Md Aleem Dad echoed the concern, saying, “Some external individuals appointed by Mokbul Ahmed are attempting to incite unrest to destabilise the university.”
Chairman Farhad urged journalists to verify facts about the university.