National University Set to Get New Pro-VC; Rumours of VC Replacement

Following the change in government, a wave of administrative restructuring continues to sweep through the country’s top academic institutions. After major leadership changes at Dhaka, Rajshahi, and Jagannath Universities, rumors are now intensifying regarding a potential change in the Vice-Chancellor (VC) position at the National University (NU). Concurrently, preparations are underway to appoint a new Pro-Vice-Chancellor to the institution.

Sources within the Ministry of Education have indicated that Professor Dr. Mohammad Ali Jinnah of the Institute of Education and Research (IER) at Dhaka University has been shortlisted and effectively finalized as the new Pro-Vice-Chancellor of National University.

A ministry official, speaking on the condition of anonymity, stated:

"We are restructuring the leadership at several key universities, including BRUR, IU, and National University. The shortlisting of candidates is complete, and the official notification for the VC and Pro-VC appointments will be issued following final approval from the Prime Minister."

While rumors circulate about the removal of the current Vice-Chancellor, Professor Dr. A.S.M. Amanullah, the VC himself has addressed the situation. Speaking to The Daily Campus, Professor Amanullah clarified his current status:

"I am currently performing my duties as usual. No one new is coming to take over the VC position at this moment. However, we are expecting a new Pro-Vice-Chancellor shortly. Some people might be confusing this upcoming Pro-VC appointment with a change in the Vice-Chancellorship."

Despite his statement, ministerial sources suggest that the name of a senior professor from the Faculty of Arts at Dhaka University is already under active discussion as a potential successor for the NU VC post.

The restructuring of university administrations gained significant momentum after March 16, 2024, when the government appointed new VCs to nine major universities simultaneously. This was followed by the appointment of Professor Dr. Mamun Ahmed as the Chairman of the University Grants Commission (UGC).

To date, the following institutions have already received new leadership:

• Dhaka University

• Rajshahi University

• Chittagong University

• Jagannath University

• KUET

• Bangladesh Open University

• Dhaka Central University

The government’s ongoing initiative aims to replace administrative heads appointed during the previous Awami League and interim tenures with candidates perceived to be more aligned with the current administrative vision. Official gazettes for the remaining universities are expected to be issued by the end of this week.