Dhaka: The High Court on Tuesday declared the convening of Dhaka University's special senate meeting and the formation of a three-member panel for appointing its vice-chancellor illegal.

It also asked the authorities concerned to form a three-member panel for the appointment of VC after constituting the senate of Dhaka University within six months maintaining due procedure.

An HC bench of Justice Zinat Ara and Justice Kazi Md Ejarul Haque Akondo passed the order following a petition.

Advocate Quamrul Haq Siddique stood for DU while Barrister Mostafizur Rahman argued for the petitioner.

Earlier, on July 26, the Supreme Court cleared the way for holding the special senate meeting of Dhaka University on July 29 for electing a three-member panel for the appointment of the university's vice-chancellor.

Chamber Judge of the Appellate Division Justice Syed Mahmud Hussain stayed a High Court order that had put on hold the senate meeting.

The Appellate Division, however, on August 3 stayed the activities of the three-member VC panel.

A three-member SC bench, headed by Chief Justice SK Sinha, also asked the High Court to dispose of the rule which was issued seeking explanation as to why the calling of the senate meeting should not be declared illegal and unlawful within four weeks. 

Following a writ petition filed by 15 registered graduates, the High Court on July 24 issued a rule asking the authorities concerned to explain as to why the calling of the senate meeting should not be declared illegal and unlawful. 

The education secretary, DU VC, pro-VCs and registrar had been asked to reply to the rule within four weeks.

At the same time, the court had ordered the constitution of the DU senate as per section 20 (1) of the Dhaka University Order 1973. 

On July 29, the Dhaka University senate nominated a three-member panel for appointing a new VC. 

The penal was nominated at a special senate session of the university held at Nabab Nawab Ali Chowdhury Senate Bhaban as per section 11 (1) of the Dhaka University Order 1973.