Policies

1. Introduction

Noakhali Science and Technology University (NSTU) is committed to maintaining the highest standards of integrity, transparency, and accountability in all academic, administrative, and financial activities. The university adopts a zero-tolerance policy toward all forms of bribery, corruption, extortion, and unethical conduct.

2. Scope & Applicability

This policy applies to all individuals and entities associated with NSTU, including:

• Faculty, administrative, technical, and support staff
• Members of statutory bodies, committees, and councils
• Students (undergraduate, postgraduate, and research)
• Contractors, suppliers, vendors, and service providers
• Consultants, agents, and third-party representatives
• Alumni, volunteers, and visiting scholars engaged in NSTU activities

3. Policy Statement

NSTU prohibits the offering, giving, requesting, or accepting of any form of bribe, facilitation payment, or improper inducement to influence decisions. The university also rejects all forms of corruption, including favouritism, nepotism, embezzlement, and misuse of institutional resources.

Even the perception of impropriety is considered unacceptable. All activities must reflect fairness, honesty, and institutional integrity.

4. Definitions

• Bribery: The act of offering, giving, receiving, or soliciting any item of value (monetary or non-monetary) as an inducement for an improper action or favour.
• Corruption: The abuse of entrusted power for private gain, including favouritism, nepotism, embezzlement, misuse of resources, etc.
• Facilitation payments: Payments made to expedite or secure routine governmental action.
• Gratification: Broadly includes money, gifts, services, hospitality, favours, employment offers, or any benefit which could improperly influence a decision.
• Third parties: Contractors, suppliers, service providers, agents, intermediaries, or any external persons acting on behalf of NSTU.

5. Prohibited Conduct

The following are strictly prohibited:

• Offering, promising, giving, or authorising the giving of any bribe (to any person) to influence a decision favourable to NSTU or to a third party.
• Soliciting or accepting any bribe from any person, whether connected with NSTU's operations or otherwise.
• Making facilitation payments, or agreeing to pay such payments.
• Providing gifts, hospitality or entertainment that may inappropriately influence a university decision.
• Engaging in or facilitating kickbacks, extortion, or any form of corrupt transaction.
• Avoiding the proper procurement, financial or contracting processes so as to favour someone improperly.
• Failing to report any suspicion or knowledge of bribery or corruption.
• Retaliating or victimising any person who reports concerns in good faith.

6. Responsibilities

• University leadership (Vice-Chancellor, Registrar, Deans, etc.): Responsible for promoting a culture of integrity, ensuring resources and oversight for this policy and seeing that all units comply with it.
• Heads of departments/units: Responsible for ensuring staff, students and others in their unit are aware of the policy and comply, and for monitoring and reporting.
• All individuals covered by this policy: Must understand the policy, act in accordance with it, avoid improper conduct, declare conflicts of interest, and report concerns.
• Procurement/Finance/Contracts units: Must design and maintain systems that mitigate bribery risk (procurement transparency, third-party due diligence, audit trail).
• Quality Assurance, Audit or Ethics Office: Should monitor implementation of the policy, conduct reviews, suggest improvements, and ensure accountability.

7. Reporting & Whistleblower Protection

NSTU encourages all members to report any suspicion or evidence of bribery or corruption through safe, accessible, and confidential channels.

• Complaints may be submitted in writing, via email, or anonymously using complaint boxes placed in each department and office.
• All reports will be handled discreetly, and whistle-blowers are protected from retaliation or victimisation.
• NSTU ensures confidentiality and fairness in all investigations.

8. Investigation & Disciplinary Action

• Upon receiving a complaint, NSTU will initiate a fair, impartial, and confidential investigation.
• Confirmed violations will result in disciplinary actions as per the NSTU Act 2001 and the Government Servants (Discipline and Appeal) Rules 2018.
• Sanctions may include warnings, suspensions, dismissals, contract terminations, or other lawful measures.
• In severe cases, NSTU may refer matters to the Anti-Corruption Commission of Bangladesh or file a complaint or a police case in accordance with government rules.

9. Gifts, Hospitality & Conflict of Interest

• Modest, infrequent, and transparent gifts or hospitality may be accepted only when they do not influence decision-making or create a conflict of interest.
• All staff and officials must declare any potential or perceived conflict of interest in decision-making processes.
• Contractors and vendors must comply with NSTU's anti-corruption standards as a condition of engagement.

10. Training & Awareness

NSTU will conduct regular awareness and capacity-building sessions for faculty, staff, and students on ethical conduct, transparency, and anti-corruption practices. The policy will be widely publicized on the university website, notice boards, and through orientation programs.

11. Monitoring, Audit & Review

The Internal Audit, Ethics, or Compliance Unit will periodically review policy implementation and risk mitigation mechanisms. NSTU will ensure continuous monitoring and adherence to national anti-corruption laws.

12. Legal Compliance

This policy is intended to ensure compliance with NSTU Act 2001 and the other laws of Bangladesh (such as the Government Servants (Discipline and Appeal) Rules 2018, Prevention of Corruption Act 1947, the Anti‑Corruption Commission Act 2004, the Penal Code 1860 and other relevant statutes) as well as international best practice.

13. Review and Amendment

The first two years of this policy (2024–2026) are regarded as a proposed and adaptive phase, during which amendments may be made based on practical experience and campus awareness needs. The final version will be adopted in 2026, following institutional review and stakeholder consultation. Until then, this proposed version remains fully applicable and enforceable under the existing NSTU Act 2001 and Government Servants (Discipline and Appeal) Rules 2018, along with relevant national laws.