Professor ABM Obaidul Islam, a renowned physicist, has been appointed as the new Vice-Chancellor (VC) of Dhaka University (DU), Bangladesh’s oldest and most prestigious higher education institution. Professor Islam brings a wealth of experience from his previous tenure as Vice-Chancellor of Bangladesh Open University, where he oversaw significant administrative and academic initiatives.
Table of Contents
Official Announcement
The appointment was formally announced on Monday afternoon, 16 March 2026, by Education Minister Dr. A.N.M. Ehsanul Haque Milon during a press conference at the Ministry of Education. Alongside DU, the minister revealed the appointments of Vice-Chancellors for six other public universities, marking a comprehensive leadership reshuffle aimed at bolstering governance, academic standards, and institutional efficiency across Bangladesh’s higher education sector.
Dr. Milon praised Professor Islam’s academic credentials and leadership expertise, noting that his background in physics and prior administrative experience make him ideally positioned to steer Dhaka University through a new phase of strategic development.
Other Vice-Chancellor Appointments
The government also appointed new VCs at the following universities:
| University | Appointed Vice-Chancellor | Previous Role / Note |
|---|---|---|
| Dhaka University (DU) | Professor ABM Obaidul Islam | Former VC, Bangladesh Open University |
| Jagannath University | Professor Rais Uddin | Departmental academic leadership |
| Bangladesh Open University | Dr. Siddiqur Rahman Khan | Expertise in open and distance learning |
| Dhaka Central University | Professor Nurul Islam | Experienced administrator |
| Khulna University of Engineering & Technology (KUET) | Professor Mohammad Masud | Engineering education specialist |
| Chittagong University | Professor Md. Al Forkan | Senior academic and administrative experience |
| Rajshahi University | Professor Faridul Islam | Multidisciplinary academic leadership |
These appointments underscore the government’s priority to enhance institutional governance and to ensure that universities are led by qualified and experienced academics capable of fostering both research and educational excellence.
Significance and Expectations
Professor Islam’s appointment comes at a critical juncture for Bangladesh’s higher education sector, which is undergoing substantial reforms, including curriculum modernisation, research expansion, and the integration of digital learning technologies. Observers expect that his leadership will accelerate research initiatives, strengthen student engagement, and promote international academic partnerships.
Analysts also note that leadership transitions such as these are essential for maintaining stability, encouraging innovation, and enhancing the competitive edge of universities in Bangladesh’s rapidly evolving educational landscape.
Looking Ahead
As Dhaka University welcomes its new Vice-Chancellor, faculty, students, and alumni are anticipating a renewed focus on academic excellence, infrastructural development, and strategic growth. Professor Islam is expected to spearhead initiatives that will consolidate DU’s status as a leading institution, foster faculty development, and reinforce its national and international reputation.
With this leadership change, the university aims to balance tradition with innovation, positioning itself for long-term success in research, teaching, and global engagement.