Professor Dr. Md. Akhtaruzzaman

Honorable Vice Chancellor

International Mother Language Day Celebration 2021

Message from the Vice Chancellor

Welcome to the University of Dhaka’s website, featuring the oldest, largest and the premier multidisciplinary university of Bangladesh!

Founded in 1921, The University of Dhaka has always had the mission of uplifting the educational standards of the people of the region. It was initially meant to provide tertiary education to people who didn’t have access to higher studies till then. Subsequently, it has contributed significantly to the socio-cultural and political development of what was once East Bengal and then East Pakistan, and is now Bangladesh.

Since its establishment, the university has been fulfilling the hopes and aspirations of its students and their parents. It has, of course, not only been a lighthouse of learning, but has also acted as a torch-bearer of the people of the region in issues such as democracy, freedom of expression, and the need for a just and equitable society. It has always been associated with high quality education and research in which students as well as faculty members and alumni have played their parts. The University of Dhaka’s role has expanded beyond its classrooms and research labs during different crises the country has had to face since 1947. In many ways, thus, the university is unique, for it has played a major role in the creation of the independent nation-state of Bangladesh in 1971.

Writing at this time, I am proud to note that the University of Dhaka has not only fulfilled but also exceeded the aspirations of those who set it up. It has been acclaimed as the best educational institution of the region, and one of the leading universities of the subcontinent. It is an incubator of ideas and has nurtured renowned scientists and academicians, great leaders, administrative and business officials, and entrepreneurs. Its proud alumni include the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, and the incumbent Prime Minister, Sheikh Hasina, his august daughter. Most of the country’s presidents, prime ministers, policymakers, politicians and CEOs of leading organizations, researchers and activists have been products of this institution.

The University of Dhaka’s doors are open for people from all classes, religions and parts of the country, and, indeed, also for international students. Its campus, too, regularly hosts different national and international events and festivals where people from every corner can and do participate. It is a hub, for breeding and nourishing liberal, secular and humanistics values.

At the time when our country is dreaming to become a developed nation by 2041 and has made a firm commitment to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030, and in an age when we are witnessing the emergence of spirited youths all set to participate in the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR), I can affirm that the University of Dhaka is well prepared to meet all future challenges and is ready to lead the nation once again with its acquired experience, available resources, dedicated administrators, experienced faculty members and talented students and employees.

Having been associated with the university for almost 40 years, first as a student, then as a faculty member, and later in various administrative capacities, it is a great honor and proud privilege for me to be here to not only witness but also to contribute to its centenary celebrations from where I am. Let me emphasize too that it is the singular privilege of all of us at the University of Dhaka to be celebrating its centenary in the year that Bangladesh is celebrating its golden jubilee of independence.

I would like to request you all to explore the legacy, beauty, and history of this great institution of national, regional and international importance through this website. I hope it will be of use to you as you venture into the knowledge network of the university and acquaint yourself with its history, achievements, centers of learning, residential facilities and other attributes. My office staff and I will be more than happy to listen to you in case you want to visit us in person at a mutually convenient time.

Joy Bangla. Joy Bangabandhu.
Long Live the University of Dhaka! Long Live Bangladesh!

(Professor Dr. Md. Akhtaruzzaman)
Vice Chancellor

Vice Chancellor's Profile

Dr. Md. Akhtaruzzaman is a Bangladeshi academic, currently the 28th Vice-Chancellor of the University of Dhaka. Prior to this position, he served in different academic, administrative and co-curricular development activities at the University of Dhaka including the Pro-Vice Chancellor (administration), Dean (Faculty of Arts), Chairman, Department of Islamic History & Culture, and Provost of the Kabi Jashim Uddin Hall, University of Dhaka.

Early life and education

Dr. Md. Akhtaruzzaman, the 2^ndson of Mrs. Eron Banu & Mr. Abul Hashem Khan (the freedom fighters of Bangladesh in 1971), was born in Kalipur of Patharghata in Barguna. He earned Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in History from the prestigious Aligarh Muslim University in 1997. He was a Fulbright Scholar at the Boston College, United States of America (USA) where he researched “Religions in American Public Life”. As a British Council Scholar at the Center for Christian Muslim Relations, Department of Theology and Religion, University of Birmingham, England, Dr. Akhtaruzzaman studied “Muslim Communities in United Kingdom”. Dr. Akhtaruzzaman has a post-graduate diploma in Persian language, and completed Bachelor of Arts (honours) and Master of Arts (M.A.) in Islamic History & Culture (IHC) from the University of Dhaka, securing first position in both the academic programs.

Career

Dr. Akhtaruzzaman joined as a lecturer at the Department of Islamic History & Culture (IHC) of the University of Dhaka in 1990 and went on to become Professor in 2004. Prior to become the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Dhaka, Professor Akhtaruzzaman was the Pro-Vice Chancellor—Administration-, (June 2016 – September 05, 2017); Dean, Faculty of Arts (2014-2016); Chairman, Department of Islamic History & Culture (2008-2011), Chairman, Department of Arabic (2015-2016), and Provost, Kabi Jashimuddin Hall (2007-2013) of the University of Dhaka.

Leadership and academic positions

Since 1990, he has provided leadership in different academic, administrative and co-curricular development activities at the University and National level, including:

Vice Chancellor (September 06, 2017–Present), University of Dhaka
Professor (2004--Present), Department of Islamic History & Culture, University of Dhaka
Pro-Vice Chancellor-Administration, (June 2016 – September 05, 2017), University of Dhaka
Dean, Faculty of Arts (2014-2016), University of Dhaka
Provost, Kabi Jasimuddin Hall (2007-2013), University of Dhaka
Chairman, Department of Islamic History & Culture (2008-2011), University of Dhaka
Chairman, Department of Arabic (2015-2016), University of Dhaka
General Secretary (2004, 2005 & 2006), Dhaka University Teachers’ Association (DUTA)
Vice President (2009 & 2011), Dhaka University Teachers’ Association (DUTA)
Elected member for different period in the Dhaka University Senate, Syndicate and Academic Council
Nominated member in several public and private University Senate, Syndicate & Academic Council for different tenure
Member, (2012 – Present) Trustee Board, Prime Minister’s Education Assistance Trust), Government of Bangladesh
Editor, Bangladesh Itihas Parishad Journal Itihas (2009-2014)
Council Member (2006-2009), Asiatic Society of Bangladesh
General Secretary (2005-2009) and Vice President (2016- Present), Bangladesh Itihas Parishad
Presidium-member, Bangladesh Peshajibi Somonnoy Parishad (2013- Present)
Presidium-member, Bangladesh-Russia Moitry Samity (2017- Present)
General Secretary, Aligarh Old Boys’ Association of Bangladesh (2007-2009)
Besides, associated with different professional and socio-cultural bodies including Bangla Academy, Bangladesh Association for American Studies, Bangladesh Association for Fulbright Scholars, and Indian History Congress

Quality Education Advancement

Dr. Akhtaruzzaman led the National Committee for Textbook Crisis Resolution formed by the Government of Bangladesh in 2009 as convener. This committee recommended for free distribution of textbooks for students up to class ten (10), and suggested reforms in printing and supplying textbooks. As a member of the National Curriculum Co-ordination Committee (NCCC), Professor Aktaruzzaman made significant contributions in advancing quality education in Bangladesh especially in the curriculum development and moderation of the school textbooks.

Convener, Textbook Crisis Resolution National Committee (2008), Government of Bangladesh
Convener, Textbook Printing and Distribution Oversee and Advisory Committee (2009 & 2010), Government of Bangladesh
Member, National Education Policy 2010 Implementation Committee, Government of Bangladesh
Member, National Curriculum Coordination Committee (NCCC); Government of Bangladesh

Social Activism

Dr. Akhtaruzzaman was elected general secretary of the Dhaka University Teachers' Association (DUTA) for three consecutive terms (2004-2006), and vice-president in 2009-2011. During the tenure as general secretary of the Dhaka University Teachers Association (DUTA), he played a pivotal role in protesting and organizing movements against several sensational target killings (e.g. killings of Professor Humayan Azad (February 27, 2004), Shah AMS Kibria (January 27, 2005), and Professor Mohammad Yunus (December 24, 2004); rise of extremist and their countrywide bomb-explosion; barbaric attack on Baisakhi festival at the Ramnabotmul; and the heinous grenade and bomb attack at the Bangladesh Awami League’s public meeting on 21^st August, 2004 that claimed many lives and injuries.

Professor Akhtaruzaman took active role in forming public opinion against the military-backed government in 2007-2008 specially when the state of emergency was imposed; teachers from the Universities were arrested; and when students were assaulted at the Dhaka University playground. He was also active in protesting military regime in his student life in 1980s.