Nine Universities Receive New Vice-Chancellors

The government has announced the appointment of new vice-chancellors (VCs) across nine universities in a significant reshuffle aimed at strengthening higher education leadership. The announcement was made on Monday, 16 March, during a press conference at the Ministry of Education by A N M Ehsanul Haque Milon, Minister of Education and Primary and Mass Education.

The minister stated that Professor Dr ABM Obaidul Islam, former Vice-Chancellor of the Open University of Bangladesh, has been appointed as the new Vice-Chancellor of Dhaka University. In a reciprocal move, Professor Siddiqur Rahman Khan has been appointed as the new Vice-Chancellor of the Open University.

Meanwhile, Professor Dr Md Nurul Islam, the current Pro-Vice-Chancellor of the National University, has been appointed as Vice-Chancellor of the Central University, marking a notable leadership transition within the national university system.

Additionally, Professor Dr Md Masud has been appointed as the Vice-Chancellor of the Khulna University of Engineering & Technology (KUET). Professor Dr Forkan will take up the role of Vice-Chancellor at Chittagong University, while Professor Dr Md Faridul Islam has been named the new Vice-Chancellor of Rajshahi University.

In a parallel development, Professor Dr S M A Faiz, Chairman of the University Grants Commission (UGC), has resigned from his position. He is succeeded by Professor Dr Mamun Ahmed, former Pro-Vice-Chancellor of Dhaka University, who has been appointed as the new UGC Chairman.

Furthermore, Professor Rois Uddin has been appointed as the new Vice-Chancellor of Jagannath University, taking over the leadership of one of the country’s key public institutions.

The table below summarises the new appointments:

Minister Milon emphasised that these appointments are aimed at reinforcing administrative efficiency, enhancing academic standards, and creating an enabling environment for research and innovation. He further noted that experienced and competent leadership is crucial to guiding universities toward international recognition and academic excellence.

The reshuffle marks a concerted effort to ensure stable governance and policy continuity across the nation’s higher education institutions, which will ultimately benefit both students and faculty. By placing seasoned academics in strategic positions, the government aims to foster a culture of innovation, accountability, and strategic growth within Bangladesh’s university system.

This move is expected to provide renewed momentum to the country’s higher education sector, enhancing its capacity to meet contemporary educational challenges while nurturing the next generation of leaders and researchers.