Niaz Ahmed Khan 30th vice-chancellor of DU

Dr Niaz Ahmed Khan, a prominent development expert, has been appointed as the 30th vice-chancellor of the University of Dhaka.

The Ministry of Education confirmed the appointment through a circular signed by Deputy Secretary M Shahinur Islam on Tuesday. The circular outlined five conditions for his appointment. His tenure as vice-chancellor will begin on the date he assumes the role. He will receive the same salary as in his current position, along with other benefits associated with the vice-chancellor post, as per the regulations.

As the university's chief executive officer, he is required to reside on the university campus full-time. Additionally, the President and Chancellor reserve the right to revoke his appointment at any time if deemed necessary.

Dr Niaz, a Professor in the Department of Development Studies at Dhaka University, previously served as the pro-vice-chancellor of Independent University, Bangladesh (IUB). He succeeds as the 30th vice-chancellor since the university's founding in 1921.

The appointment was approved by the university’s chancellor, President Mohammed Shahabuddin, on Monday.

Dr Niaz Ahmed Khan holds a bachelor's and master's degree in Public Administration from the University of Chittagong. He has also earned two diplomas, a PhD, and three postdoctoral degrees from various international institutions, including the University of Oxford.

With over 25 years of teaching and research experience across Bangladesh, the UK, and Thailand, Dr Niaz specialises in social sciences, environmental and natural resource management, development studies, and business administration. His career includes roles as an advisor and operations manager for NGOs and INGOs, as well as extensive academic and administrative experience.

His distinguished career includes positions such as Chairman and Professor of Development Studies at Dhaka University, South Asian Fellow at Queen Elizabeth House, University of Oxford, Research Fellow at the University of Wales Swansea, 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 prestigious roles.

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