“I Believe in a Party, But Must Be Universal as VC”: DU VC

“I believe in a party, but once I sit in this chair, I am the Vice-Chancellor of Dhaka University. From this position, I believe the Vice-Chancellor should be universal,” said Prof. Dr. A B M Obaydul Islam, the newly appointed Vice-Chancellor of Dhaka University (DU).

He made the remarks during an interview with The Daily Campus at his office on Friday (27 March) afternoon.

Prof. Obaydul Islam said: “If we look at the overall picture, Dhaka University is still the best university in the country. We will take initiatives to create collaboration between academia and industry.”

Regarding speeding up administrative work, he said: “Any file, note or document that reaches any table must be resolved within 72 hours. If it remains stuck for a long time, the responsible person will have to answer and face disciplinary action.”

“Dhaka University is the oldest and largest university in Bangladesh. Research is naturally expected here. It is not just a certificate distribution centre — it is a university built on the combination of education and research,” he added.

On the issue of teacher recruitment, he emphasised: “The criteria for appointing teachers must be purely based on merit and qualification. If someone is appointed based on party affiliation without merit, they become a burden on the nation. Politics of revenge never brings anything good; it only destroys people further.”

Stressing the importance of co-curricular activities alongside academics, he said: “We will give importance to extra-curricular activities along with studies. If we value merit and qualification, the university will survive and so will the country.”

Regarding convocation, he noted: “Normally, Dhaka University’s convocation should be held every year. But due to the prevailing situation in recent years, it has not been held regularly. I have just taken charge. My plan is to organise the convocation every year so that students can receive their degrees through it. Steps will be taken in this regard soon, InshaAllah.”

Highlighting the importance of research, the Vice-Chancellor said: “Dhaka University is the oldest and largest university in Bangladesh. Research is expected here. It is not merely a centre for distributing certificates; it is a university based on the integration of education and research.”

On the research budget, he acknowledged: “We know the budget allocated for research is insufficient. However, I would not say there is a lack of interest in research. The main problem is the inadequacy of the budget.”

He added: “After meeting salary, allowances and other expenses from the budget given by the government or UGC, very little remains for research. That is why we encourage teachers to collect research funds from various sources. At the same time, the university will take initiatives to increase collaboration between academia and industry, because the real application field of our education is industry.”