Vice-Chancellor (VC) of Dhaka University (DU), Professor Niaz Ahmed Khan told that day by day, Dhaka University is turning into a non-academic institute.
He made the remark during a special interview with The Daily Observer on Wednesday evening.
DU VC said, “Since taking charge as the VC, I’ve been running a salvage operation to restore a dismantled institution. If someone deliberately brings invalid accusations against me in this process, it's truly unfortunate. Criticism of the VC is acceptable, but it must be logical. This university prioritizes political discourse over academic excellence. To claim oneself as a scholar, one must have at least 3 publications in Scopus-indexed journals within five years.”
On the same day, a daily reported that some reporter alleged that when they called the VC to ask questions on important campus issues, he did not receive their calls.
In response, the VC said, “I work 15–16 hours every day. My elderly, ill mother lives in Uttara. I don’t even get the opportunity to rush over in a car and see her.”
Professor Niaz Ahmed Khan mentioned that on Wednesday, he woke up at 3:30 AM. At 5:00 AM, he had a conversation with Masud Alam, Deputy Commissioner (DC) of Ramna Division, Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP), regarding an arson attack on the home of the artist who designed Pohela Boisakh's Ananda Shovajatra motif. Later, the VC visited the victim, artist Manbendra Ghosh, at Ghosher Bazar, Garpara, Manikganj Sadar.
He commented, “ 80 percent of my daily schedule is consumed by this incident. This shouldn't be the work of a Vice-Chancellor.”
DU VC informed that an official Senior Management Team (SMT) has been approved.
Any decision regarding the VC’s office will now be taken by this team. In his absence, Pro-Vice Chancellor (Administration) Professor Dr. Sayema Haque Bidisha serves as the official spokesperson.
Additionally, he instructed that only Dhaka University Correspondents can meet him in his office directly from 5 PM to 7 PM for crucial matters.
However, he prefers not to communicate over the phone.
Regarding the Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) election, he said, “A journalist from a television channel called me and referred to DUCSU election as a dangling radish. I have already prepared a table (DUSCU election timeline) outlining each step of the DUCSU election process. These steps must be followed by the Election Commissioner. One of the reasons DU often loses legal battles is our failure to follow proper procedures.”
Professor Niaz Ahmed Khan further stated that a suitable Election Commissioner for DUCSU has not yet been appointed. From now on, all decisions regarding the DUCSU election will be made through DU Syndicate.
He also mentioned that military will be assigned to ensure a fair and peaceful election.
He added, “Previously, there was a rule that no one could not file a lawsuit against the DUCSU President, a position held by DU VC. But I’ve abolished that rule. If the DUCSU President fails to fulfill his duties responsibly, a case can be filed directly at High Court against him.”
Regarding changes in the power structure of the VC position, he said, “I’m introducing a system so that no political VC in the future can abuse power. For the approval of a large-scale budget, the VC’s signature alone will not be sufficient. At least two signatures, including that of a Pro-VC, will be required.”
Finally, Dr. Niaz Ahmed Khan shared that he is under extreme work pressure.
He suffers from hypertension and uric acid issues. He accepted the responsibility of DU VC solely due to the demands of July activists.
He mentioned that prominent figures in the country appreciated him for organizing an inclusive and diverse Ananda Shobhajatra.
Although he feels pleased, he hopes to receive appreciation from everyone for DU's academic excellence, as he believes that fulfilling the academic mission of this institution is his core responsibility.
SH
