Dhaka University VC Niaz Ahmed Khan resigns

Dhaka University Vice-Chancellor Professor Niaz Ahmed Khan handed in his resignation to Education Minister ANM Ehsanul Hoque Milon this morning (22 February).

A deputy registrar from the vice-chancellor's office confirmed the matter.

However, no official reason has been disclosed for the resignation. 

Notably, two days before the 13th national election, Niaz had stated at a press conference that he wished to step down as VC.

According to a press release issued by the university's public relations office, Prof Niaz met the education minister today and submitted an application addressed to the president seeking release from the post of VC and requesting to return to his position as a Grade-1 professor in the Department of Development Studies.

The release said that during the meeting, the minister sought the VC's views on the current and future challenges and prospects of DU, as well as necessary steps to advance education and research, and requested his continued cooperation in these areas.

It added that the VC briefed the minister in detail on the university's academic and research activities, its current and future plans, and issues relating to campus security and stability. 

He expressed firm commitment to continue working for the development of DU and the broader education sector of the country.

The education minister thanked Niaz for his contribution to the overall development of DU during a critical period for the country and extended floral greetings.

Niaz, who had previously served as pro-vice-chancellor of Independent University, Bangladesh (IUB), was appointed as the 30th VC of DU in August 2024. 

Academic and professional career

Niaz completed both his undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in public administration from the University of Chittagong. He subsequently pursued postdoctoral research at the University of Oxford, The College, Swansea University, and the Asian Institute of Technology (AIT), reports BSS.

He also served as the Bangladesh country representative at the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

Niaz's career includes positions such as chairman and professor of development studies at DU, South Asian fellow at Queen Elizabeth House, University of Oxford, 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 roles.

Niaz has held adjunct and part-time professorships at leading universities in Bangladesh, including Brac University, East West University, North South University and IUB.