Rajshahi University has assigned AHM Aslam Hossain, deputy registrar of its academic branch, as acting registrar, triggering criticism over his educational qualifications and appointment. A university office order issued on Sunday afternoon gave him the responsibility and relieved Professor Dr Iftekharul Alam Masud of the acting registrar’s duties. The report says Hossain does not hold an honours degree, though he claims to have a postgraduate degree.

Former pro-vice-chancellor for education Professor Dr Mohammad Farid Uddin Khan questioned the appointment in a Facebook post, saying an honours degree was mandatory in deputy registrar recruitment criteria but had been relaxed in Hossain’s case. He also alleged that educational qualifications and seniority had been violated, and said he had heard of strong political recommendations. Masud said Hossain did not appear qualified based on the file he had reviewed.

Hossain rejected the allegations as false and said his appointment complied with university rules. Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr Faridul Islam said Hossain was selected on merit and that no exception was made for the acting role. The report says Hossain earned an MA in History from Rajshahi University in 1992 and joined the university as deputy registrar in January 2007.