UGC finds evidence of certificate forgery at Asian University of Bangladesh

The University Grants Commission (UGC) has directed increased supervision and monitoring at the Asian University of Bangladesh (AUB) after finding evidence of certificate forgery.

“The chairman of the university's board of trustees has also been directed to take legal action against Faruq Ahmed, the registrar (in-charge) of the university, as his involvement in the forgery of the certificate has been initially proven,” UGC Chairman Prof Kazi Shahidullah told Dhaka Tribune.

Last week, a letter signed by UGC Director Omar Farooq was sent to the secretary of the Education Ministry regarding the matter. 

According to the letter, UGC said that it would have not been possible for the registrar of the university Farooq Ahmed alone to forge a certificate without the connivance of the top-level officials of the university. 

The letter further said that the university was creating a chaotic situation through financial, academic, and administrative irregularities in the admission of students, certificate forgery, aid to militancy, and termination of teachers, officers, and staff without any reason. 

AUB also allegedly continued its admission process even after the UGC imposed restrictions on it. 

Besides, the university has not had a vice-chancellor or a treasurer since its inception. No vice-chancellor has been appointed by the chancellor of the Asian University of Bangladesh since 2012, according to the letter.

Abul Hasan M Sadeq has been the acting vice-chancellor of the university since 2012 and has been signing various official and academic documents, including the original certificates of the students. It has violated Section 31 (6) of the Private University Act-2010, read the letter.