Allegations including job with fake certificates, embezzlement of money against HSTU official Bilkis
Mahidul Islam Ripon, Dinajpur
Bilkis Banu, wife of Asadullah Sarkar, a close associate of the former whip of the autocratic government, Iqbalu Rahim, has been charged with several serious allegations, including employment with fake certificates and extortion of money in the name of employment, at the Khurshid Jahan Haque Hall (Deputy Controller of Examinations) of Hajee Muhammad Danesh Science and Technology University (HSTU ), where she was serving as the wife of Haji Mohammad Danesh, a close associate of the autocratic government's former whip, Iqbalu Rahim.
Although several serious allegations were made against Bilkis Banu at different times due to her closeness to Iqbalu Rahim, the university authorities remained silent for unknown reasons. However, questions have arisen in the public mind as Bilkis Banu is still alive even after the fall of the autocratic government.
The allegations include using fake certificates to get a job, accepting around 1.3 million taka under the pretext of offering a job, harassing the victim and threatening to file a lawsuit if she asked for the money back, and misbehaving with residential students.
Mohammad Mostafizur Rahman, who accused him of taking money in the guise of a job, said that in 2022, Bilkis Banu's husband borrowed cash from her. Later, in 2023, he promised to give her a job at the university, but instead of returning the money, the matter was linked to the recruitment process. At that time, his daughter was made to apply for a university recruitment notice and received 1.3 million taka for various periods. However, in the end, she did not get a job. When she asked for the money back, she was threatened with various threats. She was even threatened with being framed in a case of violence against women and extortion.
Meanwhile, several university students have also accused Bilkis Banu of misbehaving with students while performing her duties at Khurshid Jahan Haque Hall.
A student named Shahriar Jihad said that they have written to the vice-chancellor about the misbehavior and harassment of female students. The vice-chancellor has assured to form a committee to investigate the matter.
Regarding the allegations regarding fake certificates, the students have claimed that the certificate used by Bilkis Banu is from an institution called Darul Ihsan, which was closed in 2006, while the certificate was revoked in 2008. They have demanded that the university authorities investigate and take action in this regard.
Several students and officials and employees have complained against Bilkis Banu, saying that during the previous authoritarian government, no one was afraid to speak out due to Bilkis Banu's power. Bilkis Banu used to misbehave with students, officials and employees due to her power.
When Bilkis Banu was contacted about the complaint, she disconnected the phone after learning the journalist's identity.
University Registrar Abu Hasan said, "I have received a written complaint from outside. There has been an allegation that someone took money on the pretext of giving a job to someone. There is already an investigation committee by the Board of Regents. The committee is investigating whether there were any errors in the appointment of those who were appointed at that time.
