DU Pro-VC Mamun Ahmed named new UGC chairman

Dhaka University (DU) Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Academic) Professor Dr Mamun Ahmed has been appointed as new chairman of University Grants Commission (UGC) of Bangladesh.

Education Minister Dr ANM Ehsanul Haq Milon announced the appointment at a briefing at Education Ministry after 4 PM on Monday.

This appointment follows the resignation of Professor Dr SMA Faiz from UGC chairman position. Dr Faiz submitted an application seeking release from duties, citing physical illness as reason for his inability to continue. He sent the application to the Secondary and Higher Education Division of Education Ministry at noon the same day.

Professor Dr Mamun Ahmed currently serves as pro-vice-chancellor (academic) at Dhaka University and is a former general secretary of the university teachers’ association. He also leads Sada Dal, an organisation of BNP-aligned teachers.

He was from Dhaka University's Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Department and previously served as adviser to BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia. He also held the position of president at Jatiyatabadi Samajik Sangskritik Sangsta (Jasas), a social and cultural wing of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party.

New appointment marks significant shift in UGC leadership during crucial period for higher education sector. Professor Mamun Ahmed brings extensive academic and administrative experience from Bangladesh’s premier university to the regulatory body overseeing public and private universities nationwide.

UGC plays a vital role in coordinating university education standards, allocating government grants and ensuring quality across higher education institutions. Chairman position carries responsibility for guiding policy decisions affecting hundreds of thousands of students and faculty members across the country.

Professor Faiz’s tenure saw various challenges in university governance and funding distribution. His departure creates opportunity for a fresh leadership approach under Professor Mamun Ahmed's guidance.

NRE/AM