The 30th vice-chancellor of the university is Dr. Niaz Ahmed Khan, a professor in the Department of Development Studies at Dhaka University. Dr. Khan formerly held the position of pro-vice-chancellor of Independent University, Bangladesh (IUB).
Dhaka University has named Professor Niaz Ahmed Khan as its vice-chancellor, “for the time being.” According to a ministry directive on education signed today by Deputy Secretary M Shahinur Islam, “his tenure as vice-chancellor will begin on the date he assumes the role”.
As per a circular, the appointment was granted by President Md. Shahabuddin, who is also the university’s chancellor, in compliance with the 1973 directive from the DU.
As the university’s chief executive officer, he is required to reside on the university campus full-time. Additionally, the President and Chancellor reserve the right to revoke his appointment at any time if deemed necessary.
The circular outlined five conditions for his appointment. He will receive the same salary as in his current position, along with other benefits associated with the vice-chancellor post, as per the regulations.
Niaz Ahmed Khan completed both his undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in Public Administration from the University of Chittagong. He subsequently pursued postdoctoral research in the University of Oxford, University College Swansea, and Asian Institute of Technology (AIT).
Prof Niaz also served as the Bangladesh Country Representative of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
He secured first positions (in the first classes) in all public examinations from the Secondary School Certificate (SSC) to Masters of Social Sciences (MSS-Public Administration).
Dr Niaz’s distinguished career includes positions such as Chairman and Professor of Development Studies at Dhaka University, South Asian Fellow at Queen Elizabeth House, University of Oxford, Research Fellow at the University of Wales Swansea, and Professor of Public Administration at the University of Chittagong.
He has also served as a Distinguished Visiting Researcher at The American University in Cairo, Distinguished Visiting Professor at the Asian University for Women, and Senior Academic Adviser at the National Defence College, among other prestigious roles.
Dr Niaz has held adjunct and part-time professorships at leading universities in Bangladesh, including BRAC University, East West University, North South University, and Independent University, Bangladesh.
