Ex-Kuet VC accused of fund misuse, illegal appointments

Former vice-chancellor Prof Mohammad Masud misused funds from a German-backed research project, made irregular appointments and withdrew salary after his removal from office at Khulna University of Engineering and Technology (Kuet), according to a government-formed investigation report.

The report described the acts as a “breach of trust” and cited recruitment irregularities, tender manipulation, and unauthorised salary withdrawals during Masud’s tenure.

Contacted, Masud rejected the findings as “totally biased” and “fabricated”, claiming the report was prepared to justify the interim government’s decision to remove him.

The Daily Star obtained a copy of the report, submitted to the education ministry in December last year.

The probe followed violence on February 18 that left over 150 students injured, paralysed academic activities for five months and worsened the session jam.

The investigation focused on the “SCIP Plastics Project,” funded by Germany’s Federal Ministry of the Environment and led by Bauhaus University Weimar.

According to the report, Masud removed project director Dr Rafizul on December 1, 2024, and assumed charge despite lacking the required expertise.

The committee alleged he pressured the German lead partner, Prof Eckhard Kraft, and threatened to halt work unless he was made project lead. Kraft later agreed to avoid disruption, the report said.

The probe found that funds meant for research materials were used to buy soil to fill low-lying land allegedly owned by Masud and an associate, Nur Alam.

It said Nur Alam was listed as a project employee but appeared to manage Masud’s personal assets.

The report also flagged a cash withdrawal of Tk 13 lakh from the project account on January 27, 2025, by financial coordinator Md Asib Adnan Redoy.

Although described as “meeting expenses”, the committee rejected the explanation, saying foreign-funded projects require strict documentation.

It cited cheque-related irregularities as well, noting payments were made to “M/S M Islam Trading” while the work was recorded as done by “M/S Rouza Enterprise”.

The report said the controversy damaged Kuet’s ties with its German partners, who later decided not to offer future projects to the university.

Masud denied diverting funds, saying, “This is absurd. I have no personal business or land anywhere in the world, let alone in Khulna.”

He also denied handling any cash or forcibly taking over the project.

“They explicitly asked me to take over as ‘Professor Masud’, not as vice-chancellor, to save the project from cancellation. It was a rescue effort requested by the donors,” he told The Daily Star.

The report said Masud was removed as VC in April 2025 but withdrew salary and allowances for June and July 2025 after returning from the USA, despite not holding the VC or project lead post at the time.

Defending the withdrawal, Masud said he was paid as project lead and that teachers are allowed to head research projects regardless of administrative position.

Beyond the project, the report alleged that four employees, known on campus as the “Four Caliphs”, exercised undue influence under Masud’s protection. At the centre was Md Moniruzzaman, a former data processor.

The committee cited an earlier audit by the Directorate of Inspection and Audit, which termed Moniruzzaman’s appointment and promotion illegal and said it caused a loss of Tk 55.54 lakh to the public exchequer.

Despite a recommendation to cancel the appointment, Masud later promoted him to deputy registrar.

The report also named Jalal Munshi and Emdadul Haque, saying they were promoted to section officer positions without the required qualifications.

Masud said the audit objection dated back to a previous VC’s tenure. “Besides, the appointment followed a standard recruitment process approved by the selection board and syndicate,” he said.

The probe further alleged that within five months of taking office, Masud appointed 42 temporary employees in violation of a 2018 government directive banning such recruitment. The appointments were not advertised or made through competitive selection.

Masud said the staff were hired to address a crisis and questioned why subsequent VCs had not removed them if the appointments were illegal.

In another instance linked to the German project, Masud removed project secretary Ankon Singha and appointed his personal secretary, allowing him to draw an additional 500 euros per month from the grant alongside his university salary.

The committee also cited irregularities in demolishing two condemned buildings. Although engineering estimates valued the work at Tk 35 lakh, the tender was awarded for Tk 24 lakh, allegedly causing a loss of Tk 11 lakh.

Masud defended the decision, saying it was the highest bid received and allowed under Public Procurement Rules.

“I asked the committee if we were allowed to accept the bid since it was below the government estimate, and they cited the specific PPR clause allowing it,” he claimed.

The committee recommended legal action and recovery of losses, including Tk 55.54 lakh linked to Moniruzzaman’s appointment and the Tk 13 lakh withdrawal.

It also suggested an external audit of development projects during Masud’s tenure and filing criminal cases where evidence supports the allegations.

Masud said he had provided documents in hard copy, email and WhatsApp to prove his innocence.

“The committee presented false information despite having the documents,” he told this newspaper.