Following the resignation of Vice Chancellor (VC) Prof Dr Niaz Ahmad Khan, discussions have intensified over potential successors for the top post at Dhaka University (DU), the country’s premier institution of higher learning. Seven senior academicians, including two female professors, are now in consideration for the role.
Prof Dr Niaz Ahmad Khan formally submitted his resignation to Education Minister Dr A N M Ehsanul Haque Milon on Sunday morning, although he expressed his willingness to continue temporarily to ensure continuity at the university.
Prof Khan was appointed as the 30th vice chancellor of Dhaka University on 26 August 2024 and previously served as acting vice chancellor of Independent University, Bangladesh (IUB).
Among the leading contenders are two female professors: Prof Dr Dil Rowshan Zinnat Ara Nazneen, a senior professor of Political Science and current pro-vice chancellor of Bangladesh Open University and Prof Dr Tahmina Akhter (Toffy), former director of Institute of Social Welfare and Research at Dhaka University, known for her expertise in clinical social work and long-standing academic and political involvement.
The other five senior professors in the running include: Prof Dr Mamun Ahmed (Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, current DU Pro-Vice Chancellor Academic), Prof Dr A B M Obaidul Islam (Physics, current VC of Bangladesh Open University), Prof Md Lutfor Rahman (Statistics, Pro-Vice Chancellor of National University), Prof Dr Mohammad Siddiqur Rahman Khan (Islamic History and Culture, current dean), and Prof Dr Md Morshed Hasan Khan (Marketing, current convener of Sada Dal and general secretary of University Teachers’ Association of Bangladesh).
Additional names discussed in internal circles include Treasurer Prof Dr M Jahangir Alam Chowdhury (Finance) and Prof Dr Borhan Uddin Khan (Law), both senior academicians with extensive administrative experience.
The government is expected to finalise the appointment shortly, with considerations of academic credentials, administrative experience and university continuity playing key roles in the decision-making process.
NRE/SH
