Dhaka University appoints four senior academics as emeritus professors

Four eminent academics have been appointed as emeritus professors at the University of Dhaka. They are former vice‑chancellor Prof Dr Anwarullah Chowdhury, former vice‑chancellor Prof Dr A F M Yousuf Haider, former Faculty of Science dean Prof Dr Tajmeri S Islam, and former Faculty of Pharmacy dean Prof Dr Chowdhury Mahmud Hasan. Pro‑Vice‑Chancellor (Education) Prof Dr Mamun Ahmed confirmed the matter to The Daily Campus on Tuesday, 3 February.

Under the appointments, the four scholars will remain attached to their respective departments as emeritus professors. They will advise on their academic fields as well as the university’s overall education development, research, and innovation. They will receive the same facilities they enjoyed as professors before retirement, except for university housing. They will also be able to use the library for research and publication, receive secretarial support, and access university medical services.

According to the latest updated information from DU authorities, nine academics had previously been appointed as emeritus professors, including Prof Dr A F M Sirajul Islam Chowdhury, Prof Dr Syed Manzoorul Islam, Prof Dr Atiur Rahman, Prof Dr Khandaker Bazlul Haque, and Prof Dr A K Azad Chowdhury.

Former vice‑chancellor and founding chair of the Anthropology Department Prof Dr Anwarullah Chowdhury is a scholar, anthropologist, and writer. He taught at the University of Dhaka for 42 years and held several key state responsibilities. He authored numerous research papers and about 24 books. He served as a visiting professor of anthropology at Minnesota State University in the United States, was a full‑time member of the UGC, earned higher degrees from India and the United Kingdom, and served as Bangladesh’s ambassador to Bahrain and its representative to the United Nations. He is also a valiant freedom fighter.

Prof Yousuf Haider served as DU vice‑chancellor, pro‑vice‑chancellor, director of the Semiconductor Technology Research Centre, chair of the Department of Physics, dean of the Faculty of Science, and provost of Surya Sen Hall. As pro‑vice‑chancellor, he played a leading role in establishing the Centre for Advanced Research in Sciences. He also established a modern optics and laser research laboratory in the Physics Department.

Dr Hasan began his teaching career at the Department of Pharmacy in 1978. He was promoted to professor in 1992 and served as department chair. He was elected dean of the Faculty of Pharmacy for two terms from 1999 to 2003. Beyond academic roles, he held key state positions, including director of the Drug Administration under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare from 1993 to 1997, chair of the Bangladesh Council of Scientific and Industrial Research from 2005 to 2008, and vice‑chancellor of Manarat International University from 2012 to 2016. His role in national drug policy formulation was significant, including contributions to the 2005 National Drug Policy and inclusion of herbal medicine in the Drug Ordinance.

Dr Tajmeri S Islam is a former faculty member of the Department of Chemistry and was convener of the White Panel of pro‑BNP teachers. She served as dean of the Faculty of Science and provost of Rokeya Hall, and previously chaired the Department of Chemistry.