The administration of Dhaka University (DU) has approved the installation of nine air conditioners (ACs) in the Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) building at a cost of BDT 9.23 lakh, despite ongoing budget constraints, raising concerns about procedural irregularities.
Normally, ACs are installed only in key administrative offices of the university. However, the decision to provide air conditioning in the DUCSU building reportedly came under pressure from student leaders, with the Vice-Chancellor (VC) authorizing the purchase. The university’s treasurer has described the move as irregular.
According to officials quoted by Samakal, the ACs were procured through a direct purchase method, citing “urgent need,” which bypasses the standard competitive tendering process outlined in the Public Procurement Rules (PPR). Critics argue that the items did not qualify as emergency purchases, making the procedure questionable.
The decision was made last week, while Treasurer Professor Jahangir Alam Chowdhury was abroad. During his absence, the role of acting treasurer was performed by Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Education) Professor Mamun Ahmed. Professor Chowdhury returned to Bangladesh on September 1.
Sources indicate that DUCSU Vice President Abu Sadiq Kayem repeatedly contacted the administration to expedite the AC installation, after initial hesitation from the authorities. The VC, Professor Niyaz Ahmed, ultimately approved the request.
Professor Chowdhury said, “I was on leave when the approval was given. I don’t know under what authority or rules it was approved. Had I been present, I would have questioned it and asked for explanations. Everything should be accountable.”
Professor Mamun Ahmed clarified that he forwarded the file as part of his routine duties, and the approval came from the VC, not him. “I am willing to be generous in supporting students’ education needs, but giving ACs for luxury purposes when basic necessities are unmet is not something I can approve,” he said.
Engineering Department officials confirmed that the ACs are being installed by the company “Gree” and that the process will be completed quickly.
The DUCSU building has already seen significant renovation under the current budget, which allocates a total of BDT 30 lakh for the student union. So far, BDT 23.87 lakh has been spent on renovations, including ACs, a sound system, and water filters. Other ongoing projects include furniture, separate toilets for men and women, new workstations, room refurbishments, and signage, all procured through proper channels.
DUCSU Treasurer Professor H.M. Mosharraf Hossain emphasized that the AC request was made directly to the administration by student leaders, not through the treasury.
When contacted, VC Professor Niyaz Ahmed said, “I will investigate the procedures followed and ensure that authority protocols were properly observed.”
DUCSU leaders have denied exerting undue pressure. Vice President Abu Sadiq Kayem said, “We only requested a proper working environment. We did not demand ACs specifically.”
General Secretary S.M. Farhad added, “We requested necessary upgrades cautiously, keeping budget limitations in mind. Some of the work, including CCTV installation, was initiated by us to ensure better facilities while old equipment was refurbished.”
