The Government of Bangladesh has appointed new vice-chancellors to nine major universities simultaneously, signalling a strategic move to strengthen higher education administration across the country. The announcements were made on Monday, 16 March, at a press conference held at the Ministry of Education, where Education and Primary and Mass Education Minister A. N. M. Ehsanul Haque Milon shared the details.
According to the minister, Professor Dr. A. B. M. Obaidul Islam, previously serving as vice-chancellor of the Open University of Bangladesh, has been appointed the new vice-chancellor of Dhaka University. Meanwhile, Professor Siddiqur Rahman Khan has been confirmed as the new vice-chancellor of the Open University of Bangladesh.
In a parallel move, Professor Dr. Md. Nurul Islam, currently the pro-vice-chancellor of National University, has been appointed vice-chancellor of Central University. Professor Dr. Md. Masud has been selected as the new vice-chancellor of Khulna University of Engineering and Technology (KUET). Professor Dr. Forkan has been assigned as vice-chancellor of Chittagong University, and Professor Dr. Md. Faridul Islam has been announced as the new vice-chancellor of Rajshahi University.
In addition, Professor Dr. S. M. A. Faiz, the chairman of the University Grants Commission (UGC), has resigned. His position has been filled by Professor Dr. Mamun Ahmed, previously the pro-pro-vice-chancellor of Dhaka University. Furthermore, Professor Rais Uddin has been appointed as the new vice-chancellor of Jagannath University.
The minister emphasised that these appointments are part of the government’s broader strategy to enhance research, improve academic quality, and strengthen administrative efficiency at these institutions. The newly appointed vice-chancellors are expected to introduce reforms in curriculum development, student services, and research initiatives, fostering an environment that promotes academic excellence and global collaboration.
The following table summarises the appointments:
| University | New Vice-Chancellor | Previous Position | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dhaka University | Prof. Dr. A. B. M. Obaidul Islam | Vice-Chancellor, Open University | Assumes charge soon |
| Open University of Bangladesh | Prof. Siddiqur Rahman Khan | Newly appointed | Focus on academic reforms |
| National University | – | Pro-Vice-Chancellor | Transferred to Central University |
| Central University | Prof. Dr. Md. Nurul Islam | Pro-Vice-Chancellor, National University | Administrative expertise expected |
| KUET | Prof. Dr. Md. Masud | – | Expected to boost research |
| Chittagong University | Prof. Dr. Forkan | – | Focus on improving academic standards |
| Rajshahi University | Prof. Dr. Md. Faridul Islam | – | Will oversee administrative initiatives |
| UGC | Prof. Dr. Mamun Ahmed | Pro-Pro-Vice-Chancellor, Dhaka University | Appointed Chairman |
| Jagannath University | Prof. Rais Uddin | – | Expected to implement new strategies |
These strategic appointments reflect the government’s commitment to strengthening higher education governance, ensuring academic excellence, and providing students with opportunities for enhanced learning and research outcomes.