Discussions surface over next Dhaka University VC

Discussions have intensified over the appointment of the next vice-chancellor of Dhaka University after Professor Niaz Ahmed Khan submitted his resignation to the Ministry of Education on Sunday.

He formally handed over the resignation letter to Education Minister ANM Ehsanul Haque Milon at the ministry. If accepted, the university’s top administrative post will fall vacant, paving the way for the appointment of a new vice-chancellor.

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According to relevant sources, discussions have already begun over several senior teachers for the top post.

Among those being discussed is Prof Md Morshed Hasan Khan of the Marketing Department. He currently serves as convener of the pro-BNP teachers’ body Sada Dal and secretary general of the University Teachers’ Association of Bangladesh (UTAB). He is also the Mass Education Secretary and a member of the media cell of the BNP Executive Committee.

The name of Prof Mamun Ahmed, the current pro vice-chancellor (Education), has also surfaced. A professor of the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Sciences, he is a former general secretary of the Teachers’ Association and convener of Sada Dal. He also served as an adviser to BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia and as president of the party’s social and cultural wing, JASAS.

Prof ABM Obaidul Islam, a professor of the Department of Physics, is also under discussion. He is currently serving as vice-chancellor of Bangladesh Open University and president of UTAB. He previously served as general secretary of the Teachers’ Association and convener of Sada Dal. He is now the education affairs secretary of the BNP.

The discussion also includes Prof Borhan Uddin Khan, a senior professor of the Law Department and former dean of the faculty.

The name of Prof M Jahangir Alam Chowdhury, the current treasurer of the university and a senior professor of the Finance Department, has also surfaced. He is the executive director of the Centre for Microfinance and Development and is widely discussed for his role during the July Uprising.

In addition, the names of Prof Md Lutfar Rahman, deputy pro-chancellor of the National University; Prof Mohammad Siddiqur Rahman Khan, dean of the Faculty of Arts and professor of the Department of Islamic History and Culture; senior Physics professor Aminul Islam Talukder; senior Political Science professor Dil Rawshan Jinnat Ara Nazneen; and Prof Tahmina Akhtar, former director of the Institute of Social Welfare and Research, have also emerged in the discussions.

Earlier, on 10 February, Prof Niaz expressed his intention to step down at an emergency press conference. He said he was ready to serve for the necessary period, in line with the government’s decision, to ensure continuity at the university.

A professor of the Department of Development Studies, Prof Niaz was appointed as the 30th vice-chancellor of the University of Dhaka on 26 August 2024. He previously served as acting vice-chancellor of Independent University, Bangladesh.