Corruption eats into Rajshahi University Press

Allegations of corruption and misappropriation of funds in the Rajshahi University Press have recently surfaced, with the press staff coming up with complaints against its management.

An official of the university press, seeking anonymity, informed that recently a single colour offset printing and plate making machine was bought for Tk 14 lakh but submitted the bill to the accounts department, showing the price at Tk 40 lakh.

The source said that the university actually needed a double demy press machine for which the press management had issued tender notices, but it bought this machine made in 1986.

According to the same source, a used envelope cutting machine was also bought spending Tk 30 lakh but a Tk 95 lakh-bill was submitted.

RU vice-chancellor, after receiving complaints from some of the press staff early April, asked the university vigilance team to look into the matter, said Jalaluddin, vigilance team-member and professor of RU social work department.

The RU vigilance team, led by its registrar M Abdur Rahman, usually monitors and investigates the complaints relating to the financial irregularities of the institution.

Jalaluddin told New Age that the team had checked and found both machines inoperative.

They had suggested that experts should be brought from Dhaka to check their condition, he said.

'Since we are not familiar with the machines, we cannot say for sure how good or bad their condition is,' he added.

Shamsuddin Ahmed, administrative officer of the RU press, refused to comment on the complaints of irregularities in procuring the machines and said they would soon bring the experts to check the machines.

RU pro-vice chancellor Mohammad Nurullah told New Age that a probe body would be formed to further investigate the matter.

'We shall take decision after we get the findings of that body,' he added.

Source: New Age

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