Delay in appointments of two pro-VCs at Dhaka University

The Ministry of Education has yet to issue the notification for the appointments of two pro-vice chancellors at Dhaka University, despite a policy decision by President and University Chancellor Mohammad Shahabuddin.

On Tuesday, Prof Dr Niaz Ahmed Khan of the Development Studies Department was appointed as vice-chancellor, while Prof Dr Saima Haque Bidisha of the Economics Department and Prof Dr Mohammad Ismail of the Applied Chemistry and Chemical Engineering Department were selected as pro-VCs.

However, the next day, a notification was issued only for the vice-chancellor, with no corresponding notification for the two pro-VCs.

The delay is understood to be partly due to the fact that the two former pro-VCs, Prof Dr Mohammad Samad and Prof Dr Sitesh Chandra Bachar, have not resigned.

Besides, opposition from a faction of university teachers is causing a further delay. However, the reasons for their opposition remain unclear.

When asked about the situation, Prof Bidisha said, "I have come to know about the government's policy decision on the appointments. I am now waiting for the notification and hope to receive it soon."

Prof Ismail expressed a similar sentiment, hoping that the notification will be issued by the ministry as soon as possible and that he will have the opportunity to contribute further to education and research.

Sheikh Abdur Rashid, senior secretary of the Secondary and Higher Education Department of the Ministry of Education, confirmed on Wednesday that no notification has been issued yet.

When asked why, he replied, "We have not yet received any orders regarding the Pro-VCs.” He declined to provide further details about this when pressed.