Prof Md Akhtaruzzaman, at fifty-three, is a prolific researcher, thinker, has been appointed as the Vice Chancellor of the University of Dhaka by President Abdul Hamid, as the tenure of Prof AAMS Arefin Siddique ended.
Prof Akhtaruzzaman started his career as Lecturer in Dhaka University, Department of Islamic History & Culture in 1990. The '90's were a time of unrest, democratic movement against military regime, transition of power and liberalization of market. As a young Lecturer he was also involved with that transition and learned the history of that period by lived experience. Therefore, he believes, "Our focus is entirely on greater transparency in admissions" after getting the responsibility of the Vice Chancellor.
However, he was Dean, Faculty of Arts, from 2014 to 2016, Chairman, Department of Islamic History and Culture from 2008-2011, Chairman, Department of Arabic in 2015, Provost, Kabi Jasimuddin Hall from 2007-2013. He not only confined himself in the teaching and administrative work, but also went for training in higher research.
He obtained his PhD in History from the Aligarh Muslim University, Uttar Pradesh, India. And, based on his PhD research topic, he has published a book title with 'Society and Urbanization in Medieval Bengal' from the Asiatic Society of Bangladesh, in 2009. This book is on the urbanization process of Medieval Bengal. For his contribution in the field of research, he has obtained the Justice Ibrahim Gold Medal in 2008.
In the past, Prof Md Akhtaruzzaman had received Fulbright Scholarship to study at Boston College, USA. He was also a British Council Visiting Scholar at the University of Birmingham, UK.
Regarding upgrading Bangladeshi education system, he shared, "It is not a one day event but a continuous process where practical planning, investment and implementation are needed."
He further added, "To make sure the quality of education you have to make sure the facilities for the students. They need proper living space, nutritious food, and a well-organized academic support system. If students could not sleep peacefully at night and get no good food in canteen, how could they concentrate in study? Therefore, we have to work on that first." Prof Akhtaruzzaman published 42 research articles in referred international and national journals and edited books. His book Muslim Itihastattwa (Muslim Historiography) is one of his contributions in the philosophy of history.
Moreover, he gave us edited books titled 'Liberation War of Bangladesh: Background and Events', 'Bangladesh Itihash Parishad' (journal), Probandha Sankolon (An Anthology) of department of Islamic History and Culture, and 'A Quest for Islamic Learning: Essays in Memory of Professor Serajul Haque published by the Asiatic Society of Bangladesh. He was also a member of the editorial team of Journal of Serajul Haque Centre for Islamic Research and the Journal of the Asiatic Society of Bangladesh (Humanities).
Prof Akhtaruzzaman was elected as a member for different period in Dhaka University Senate, Syndicate & Academic Council. He was also the General Secretary in 2004, 2005, 2006 and Vice President in the period of 2009 and 2011of Dhaka University Teachers' Association.
He was also the convener of Textbook Crisis Resolution National Committee in 2008, and 'Textbook Printing and Distribution Oversee and Advisory Committee' in 2009 and 2010. He was also a member of the National Education Policy 2010 Implementation Committee and National Curriculum Coordination Committee (NCCC).
He has spent two decades of his life in teaching, research, and activism. Presented research paper in several international conferences held in India, Thailand, and Qatar.
"It's better to give than to receive" and "doing something nice for someone and feeling better about yourself" are what he believes in.
