The name of the new Vice-Chancellor of the University of Dhaka may be announced today, Sunday (1 March), according to a university source.
The source said a teacher of the university is likely to receive the responsibility on an acting basis.
On 22 February, the current Vice-Chancellor, Professor Dr. Niaz Ahmed Khan, formally applied to be relieved of his duties. He submitted his request to Education Minister Dr. A. N. M. Ehsanul Haque Milon.
However, he has not yet received an official release letter. As a result, he is still performing his duties.
Since his application, there has been discussion about who will take over the top post. A university source said the current Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Professor Dr. Mamun Ahmed, is most likely to be appointed as Acting Vice-Chancellor.
Professor Mamun Ahmed is a teacher of the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at the University of Dhaka. He is a former general secretary of the University Teachers’ Association. He also served as convener of the BNP-leaning teachers’ body, Sada Dal.
He previously worked as an adviser to the Chairperson of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party and former Prime Minister, the late Begum Khaleda Zia. He also served as president of the party’s social and cultural affiliate, Jatiyatabadi Samajik Sangskritik Sangstha.
Another name under discussion is Professor Dr. A. B. M. Obaidul Islam, Vice-Chancellor of Bangladesh Open University. He is also the current president of the University Teachers’ Association of Bangladesh.
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Professor Obaidul Islam teaches in the Department of Physics. He is a former general secretary of the Teachers’ Association and a former convener of Sada Dal. He is now serving as the education affairs secretary of the BNP.
Several other teachers are also being discussed. They include Professor Dr. A. S. M. Amanullah of the Department of Sociology at the University of Dhaka. The name of Professor Dr. Mohammad Siddiqur Rahman Khan, Vice-Chancellor of National University and Dean of the Faculty of Arts, has also come up. Professor Dr. Md. Morshed Hasan Khan of the Department of Marketing is another name in discussion.
Professor Morshed Hasan Khan is the current secretary-general of the University Teachers’ Association of Bangladesh. He is also serving as the mass education affairs secretary of the BNP’s executive committee and is a member of the party’s media cell.
After the mass uprising of students and the public on 5 August 2024, Professor Dr. Niaz Ahmed Khan was appointed as the 30th Vice-Chancellor of the University of Dhaka on 26 August. At that time, he was serving as Acting Vice-Chancellor of Independent University, Bangladesh.
An official announcement on the new appointment is expected if the authorities take a decision today.