Bangladesh University Grants Commission (UGC) has a new chairman following the resignation of Professor Dr. S.M.A. Faiz. His successor is Professor Dr. Mamun Ahmed, the current Vice-Provost (Upa-Upacharya) of the University of Dhaka.
The announcement was made on Monday, 16 March, at a press conference held by the Ministry of Education. The Education and Primary and Mass Education Minister, Dr. A.N.M. Ehsanul Haque Milon, confirmed the appointment.
Professor Dr. Faiz tendered his resignation earlier on Monday, citing health concerns that hindered his ability to continue fulfilling the responsibilities of the UGC chairman. The resignation was formally submitted to the Ministry’s Secondary and Higher Education Division. Both the Ministry of Education and UGC have verified this development.
Professor Dr. Mamun Ahmed, appointed to lead UGC, has an extensive academic and administrative background. He joined the University of Dhaka as Vice-Provost on 12 September 2024 and serves as a professor in the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. He was appointed to the Vice-Provost position for a four-year term by the President and University Chancellor, Mr. Md. Sahabuddin, and his tenure was cut short to assume the UGC chairmanship.
A brief overview of the key figures:
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| New UGC Chairman | Professor Dr. Mamun Ahmed |
| Current Academic Position | Vice-Provost, University of Dhaka |
| Department | Biochemistry and Molecular Biology |
| Predecessor | Professor Dr. S.M.A. Faiz |
| Reason for Predecessor’s Resignation | Health issues |
| Date of Resignation | 16 March 2026 |
| Date Joined as Vice-Provost | 12 September 2024 |
| Appointing Authority | President & University Chancellor Md. Sahabuddin |
Professor Dr. S.M.A. Faiz is a veteran academician and administrator. During the BNP-led coalition government, he was appointed the 26th Vice-Chancellor of the University of Dhaka in 2002. At that time, he was serving in the Department of Soil, Water, and Environment. The then President and University Chancellor, Dr. Iaj Uddin Ahmed, made the appointment. He held the Vice-Chancellor position for six years, overseeing the university’s strategic and academic affairs.
Prior to this, Professor Dr. Faiz served as the sixth Chairman of the Bangladesh Public Service Commission from 7 March 1993 to 5 March 1998, completing a full five-year term. His career reflects decades of experience in higher education governance and public administration.
With Professor Dr. Mamun Ahmed’s appointment, the UGC anticipates strengthening governance, policy implementation, and academic quality across universities nationwide, reinforcing Bangladesh’s higher education standards.
