The University Grants Commission of Bangladesh (UGC) has directed North South University to conduct a fair and thorough investigation into allegations of sexual harassment and corruption against its Board of Trustees member, Md. Shahjahan.
The directive was issued in a letter dated May 14, 2026, sent by the Private University Management Division of the UGC to the Chairman of North South University’s Board of Trustees.
Signed by UGC Director Dr. Md. Sultan Mahmud Bhuiyan, the letter stated that the Commission had received a written complaint on April 21, 2026. The complaint, titled “Restoring a Corruption-Free and Sexual Harassment-Free Environment at North South University by Protecting the Institution from the Influence of Board of Trustees Member Md. Shahjahan,” contained a series of allegations against the trustee.
The UGC instructed the university authorities to investigate the allegations and inform the Commission of the findings as quickly as possible.
According to information obtained, the complaint was submitted by a parent of a North South University student. The letter alleged that Shahjahan had sexually harassed female officials, employees, and students by using intimidation and inducements. It also accused him of influencing irregular recruitment and promotions, as well as engaging in financial misconduct.
One of the allegations stated that a female laboratory instructor was subjected to inappropriate conduct inside Shahjahan’s vehicle in May 2025. The complaint claimed that instead of taking disciplinary action, the university subsequently increased the woman’s salary by Tk 60,000.
The complaint also alleged that Shahjahan used personal influence to facilitate the appointment of Adiba Ibnat Bushra in the CPC Department and secured a full tuition waiver for her in an MBA programme. Similar allegations were made regarding the transfer and promotion of two employees, Priyanka and Susmita Halder, purportedly in violation of university rules.
In addition, Shahjahan was accused of misappropriating university funds during his more than decade-long tenure as Chairman of the Campus Development Committee. The complaint alleged that he favoured selected contractors and was involved in commission-based dealings in development projects through an individual named Tarikul, who was reportedly charge-sheeted in a case involving forgery of a former prime minister’s signature.
The complaint further claimed that Shahjahan operated a syndicate that admitted academically unsuccessful students in exchange for payments ranging from Tk 100,000 to Tk 200,000, while depriving meritorious students of scholarships through irregular practices.
The complainant stated that many alleged victims were reluctant to speak out due to Shahjahan’s influence within the university. The letter also claimed that a previous sexual harassment complaint filed by a former female faculty member had been suppressed.
The absence of an effective sexual harassment prevention committee at the university was identified as one of the factors contributing to the situation.
Copies of the UGC letter were also sent to the Education Adviser, the Secretary of the Ministry of Education, and relevant members of North South University’s Board of Trustees.
Officials familiar with the matter believe the Commission’s directive could lead to renewed scrutiny of governance and accountability within the university. However, no formal response from North South University was available at the time of reporting, and the progress of the investigation has not yet been disclosed.