Prof Mamun Ahmed takes charge as 15th UGC chairman
He formally assumed his responsibilities today (18 March), following a notification issued by the Secondary and Higher Education Division of the Ministry of Education.
Professor Mamun Ahmed has assumed office as the 15th chairman of the Bangladesh University Grants Commission (UGC).
He formally assumed his responsibilities today (18 March), following a notification issued by the Secondary and Higher Education Division of the Ministry of Education.
Outgoing chairman Prof SMA Faiz handed over responsibilities to the newly appointed chairman in the presence of UGC members, secretary, and officials from different departments.
According to the notification issued on 16 March under the UGC Act, 1973, Mamun has been appointed chairman for a four-year term, effective from the date of joining. He will receive salary and other benefits as per existing rules.
Prior to this role, Mamun served as Pro-Vice Chancellor (Academic) of the University of Dhaka. He joined the position on 12 September 2024 and served for around one and a half years before taking up the new responsibility.
A professor of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at the University of Dhaka, he completed his undergraduate and master's degrees in 1989 and 1991 respectively.
He began his academic career as a lecturer in 1996 and was later promoted to professor. He also served as dean of the Faculty of Biological Sciences.
Mamun obtained his PhD in virology from Nihon University School of Medicine in Japan and completed postdoctoral fellowship at the University of Pittsburgh in the United States.
He was also involved in research at the Thomas E Starzl Transplantation Institute and the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.
With more than 50 publications in national and international journals, his research focuses on translational molecular virology and viral diagnostics.
During the Covid-19 pandemic, he played a significant role in virus detection and response efforts in Bangladesh.
With over two decades of clinical and research experience, he has contributed to the development and application of new diagnostic methods.
In his administrative career, Mamun has also served as the General Secretary of the Dhaka University Teachers' Association (Duta) and as a member of the university senate.
