The upgradation committee headed by Pro-Vice Chancellor Prof AFM Yusuf Haider recommended 73 officers for promotion recently, but the highest decision-making body of the university dropped 25 controversial officers as they did not meet the criteria for promotion.

Although at least 15 officers among the 25 do not have any requisite qualification, they got a place on the list on political and regional considerations, sources said.

The syndicate meeting, held with Vice Chancellor Prof SMA Faiz in the chair, also approved appointment of three candidates -- two of them are Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD) leaders and a female candidate who is the wife of a former JCD leader of Dhaka College -- as section officers.

The sources said many syndicate members were against the recommendations made by the upgradation committee as the list of 73 officers was prepared in violation of university rules and regulations.

As per rules, the authorities cannot promote more than 40 officers at a time, they added.

Asked about the syndicate's approval promoting more than 40 officers at a time, Treasurer Prof Syed Rashidul Hasan said the Registrar's office would finally promote them according to the rules and regulations.

After a prolonged discussion on the issue, the syndicate members unanimously agreed to promote only the qualified candidates as the VC was strict in this regard, sources said.

On appointment of three fresh candidates, VC Prof SMA Faiz said they were appointed as per the rules and regulations.

Sources said the syndicate approved the fresh appointment because all the three were ruling party's candidates.

The VC, however, said the selection committee recommended the appointment of the three only on the basis of their qualifications.