A recently released government investigation report has revealed alleged financial misconduct and irregularities during the tenure of former vice-chancellor Prof Mohammad Masud at Khulna University of Engineering and Technology (Kuet). The report, submitted to the education ministry last December, accused Masud of misusing funds from a German-funded research project, making questionable appointments, and withdrawing salary post his removal from office.
According to the report, Masud’s actions were described as a breach of trust and included recruitment discrepancies, manipulation of tenders, and unauthorized salary withdrawals. Masud, however, has vehemently denied the allegations, labeling the findings as biased and fabricated, suggesting they were orchestrated to justify his removal by the interim government.
The investigation primarily focused on the SCIP Plastics Project, financially supported by Germany’s Federal Ministry of the Environment and managed by Bauhaus University Weimar. The report highlighted instances where funds intended for research purposes were allegedly diverted to purchase soil for filling low-lying land supposedly owned by Masud and an associate named Nur Alam. Nur Alam, listed as a project employee, was suspected of overseeing Masud’s personal assets.
Moreover, the report flagged a substantial cash withdrawal from the project account and documented irregularities in cheque payments. These discrepancies reportedly tarnished Kuet’s relationship with its German partners, leading to a halt in future project collaborations.
Masud has refuted accusations of fund diversion, claiming no personal business interests or property in Khulna or elsewhere. He also denied any involvement in handling cash or forcibly taking control of the project, suggesting that his role was a result of a donor-requested rescue effort.
The investigation further raised concerns about the influence of four employees known as the “Four Caliphs” during Masud’s tenure. Notably, the report highlighted irregularities in the appointment and promotion of certain individuals, allegedly causing financial losses to the public exchequer. Masud defended these appointments, attributing them to a standard recruitment process approved by the selection board and syndicate.
The report recommended legal actions to recover losses linked to the alleged irregularities and proposed an external audit of development projects overseen by Masud. It also suggested pursuing criminal cases where evidence supported the allegations.
Masud claimed to have provided substantial evidence to refute the allegations, expressing disappointment in the committee’s conclusions based on what he deemed as false information despite his documented submissions.