BAU Correspondent:Twelve teachers of Bangladesh Agricultural University (BAU) have not returned to their posts despite the expiry of their overseas study leave for higher education and research, leaving the university with outstanding compensation claims amounting to Tk 40.78 million.
According to the university's Establishment Section, 120 BAU teachers are currently on study leave abroad for higher education and research.
Under university regulations, every teacher is required to sign a bond before leaving for overseas study, committing to return and rejoin the university upon completion of the approved leave period. Failure to do so requires the teacher to pay compensation in accordance with the terms of the bond.
University sources said action has been initiated against the 12 teachers who failed to return after their leave expired. Legal proceedings have already been filed against some of them, while others have been served with notices and reminder letters seeking payment of compensation.
Among the teachers who received notices are two from the Faculty of Agriculture, one from the Faculty of Veterinary Science, three from the Faculty of Animal Husbandry, one from the Faculty of Agricultural Economics and Rural Sociology, and five from the Faculty of Agricultural Engineering and Technology.
According to university records, BAU has claimed a total of Tk 45.17 million in compensation from the teachers concerned. Of this amount, Tk 4.39 million has already been recovered, leaving Tk 40.78 million outstanding.
Speaking to reporters, BAU Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr A K Fazlul Haque Bhuiyan said teachers are granted study leave to enhance the quality of education and research at the university and are therefore obligated to return after completing their studies. If a teacher resigns from the university and settles all financial obligations under the bond, there is no problem. However, if anyone remains abroad in violation of the bond conditions, the university will take action in accordance with its regulations.
The vice-chancellor added that improved living standards and higher salaries abroad are major reasons why some teachers choose not to return. However, if university teachers receive greater recognition and better opportunities in Bangladesh, this problem could be reduced significantly.