A special session of the Jahsngtrnagar University (JU) Senate will tie held tomorrow to elect a three member panel tor the appointment of a new Vice Chancellor (VC). Ninety one Senators will cast their votes to elect the panel The Chancellor of the University will appoint one person of the 3-member panel as the VC of the university

Two panels will contest In the election The group op posed to the former VC has nominated Prof. Khondakar Mustaludur x

Rahman(Economics). Prof Amir Hossain KhanlPhysics) and Prof. Enamul Huq Khan for their panel On the other hand, the supporters of the former VC have nominated Prot Ami rul Islam Chowdhury (Economics). Prof. Mesbauddin Ah-med(Chemistry) and Prof. Maudud Elahl (Geography) for their panel. A third group of the teachers led by Prof Imamuddin will extend their support to the Pro-BNP former VC group The system of elect Ing a panel for the VC was introduced tn 1984. Previously, the JU VC was appointed directly by the Chancellor

Prof A F M Kamaluddin was the first elected VC. He was appointed VC In 1984. After his death In J987. Prof. Kazi Saleh Ahmed was appointed VC for the next two terms. In 1992. the teachers split Into two groups when a large num ber of teachers, led by Prof Mustahidur Rahman, protested the nomination of Saleh Ahmed as the VC candidate. Two panels from the two groups contested tile VC panel polls In 1992 and Kazi Saleh Ahmed was appointed VI The present acting VC. Prof Abul Hossain, who succeeded Kazi Saleh Ahmed on August 2.1993 following the latter s resignation In the wake of campus violence, had delayed in summoning the Senate Session saying the Senate needed to be regularised"

Twentyfl ve registered grad uates were elected on March 28 to update the 91 -member JU senate But the appointment of a VC has been delayed by 11 months, which is a clear violation of The 73 University Act - alleged the JU Teachers Associa. ton! J UTA).

The JU "Schers hoisted black flags in i ^nt of the VC office and obsei strike protesting the unusual c ‘ convening the special Sen« session.

As per rules, the vacant post of a VC must be filled within 45 days of resignation or removal of a Vice Chancellor.

The 91 member JU Senate comprises the VC. Director General(DG) of the Directorate ' of Secondary and Higher Education; five high officials selected by the government; five MPs selected by the Speaker; five educationists nominated by the Chancellor; five officers from research Institutes,- selected by the University Syndicate: five college principals selected by the Academic Co-uncll(AC): 35 teacher representatives: 25 registered graduates and five students' representatives.