Dhaka, March 16, 2026 — The government has announced new leadership for two key institutions in Bangladesh’s higher education sector. A B M Obaidul Islam has been appointed as the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Dhaka, while Mamun Ahmed will serve as the Chairman of the University Grants Commission of Bangladesh.
The decision was disclosed on Monday during a press briefing at the Ministry of Education by Education and Primary & Mass Education Minister A N M Ehsanul Haque Milon.
Professor Obaidul Islam currently holds the position of Vice-Chancellor at Bangladesh Open University. He is also a senior academic from the Physics Department at the University of Dhaka. With his new appointment, he will take charge of the country’s oldest and most prestigious public university.
Professor Mamun Ahmed, who is now serving as the Pro-Vice-Chancellor of Dhaka University, will take over as chairman of the University Grants Commission, the national authority responsible for supervising universities and maintaining academic standards across Bangladesh.
UGC Chairman Steps Down for Health Reasons
The leadership change at the UGC comes after its current chairman S M A Faiz submitted a request to be relieved of his duties due to health complications. In an application sent to the Secondary and Higher Education Division on March 16, he stated that he was no longer physically able to continue performing the responsibilities of the post.
Previous DU Vice-Chancellor Requested Resignation
The new appointment for Dhaka University follows a request by outgoing Vice-Chancellor Niaz Ahmed Khan to step down from the role. On February 22, he submitted an application to the President seeking to be released from his duties and to return to his earlier academic position as a Grade-1 professor in the Development Studies Department.
According to a statement issued by the university’s public relations office, Professor Niaz Ahmed Khan met the education minister prior to submitting his application. His decision followed remarks he made during a press conference earlier in February.
Professor Niaz Ahmed Khan had taken office as the vice-chancellor in late August 2024, following the political changes that occurred after the 2024 Bangladesh student-led uprising, which led to the fall of the Awami League government on August 5, 2024.
The latest appointments are expected to bring new leadership to Bangladesh’s university system at a time when reforms and modernization in higher education remain a national priority.
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