By Suraiya Akter
After serving as an acting Vice Chancellor of Dhaka University for more than two years since 4 September 2017, recently Dr Md Akhtaruzzaman has been appointed as the 29th VC of the country’s top university. President Abdul Hamid, also the Chancellor of Dhaka University, has appointed him as the Vice Chancellor on 3 November last. As per Clause 11(1) of the Dhaka University Ordinance 1973, he has been appointed for a tenure of 4 years. Dr Akhtaruzzaman worked as the acting VC after the tenure of VC AAMS Arefin Siddique was expired.
Recently Dr Akhtaruzzaman talked to Bangladesh Post on various subjects, especially, on how he wants to regain the past reputation of Dhaka University. Bangladesh Post: How do you feel about getting appointed as VC of the most reputed university of the country? Dr Akhtaruzzaman: Frist of all, I would like to thank the government for the initiative of selecting the VC following the democratic process in this regard. The Senate Panel has followed the Dhaka University Ordinance 1973 to appoint me as the VC.
This is actually an implementation of the rule of law which was prepared by father of the nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. This appointment is a sign of following and obeying the democratic values. Bangladesh Post: What scheme will you actualize in your four-year tenure?
Dr Akhtaruzzaman: 2020 and 2021 are very important two years for us. In 2020, Bangabandhu’s 100th birth anniversary will be celebrated, and in 2021, Dhaka University will accomplish its 100 years journey. These two historical events will play important role in preparing the plan for my tenure. Besides, we have taken many projects and schemes that will, as a whole, contribute to the improvement of our educational ambience. The most significant event is that, for the first time in the history of Dhaka University, the university is going get a ‘Master Plan’. We hope that the Master Plan will be prepared within February.
Bangladesh Post: A recent raking of the world universities shows that Dhaka University’s position is very poor in the list. What’s your plan to uplift the situation? Dr Akhtaruzzaman: The Master Plan will include the whole development process of Dhaka University which will also cover, among others, transportation, central library and seminar facilities amplification. It will help gaining our covetable world ranking by enriching the educational atmosphere. This master plan means the total development framework for Dhaka University. We strongly believe that within a few years of implementing the master plan Dhaka University will gain a prestigious position in the list of globally reputed universities.
Bangladesh Post: What’s your plan about enhancing the research arena in Dhaka University? Dr Akhtaruzzaman: There are two conditions for development in this sector- one: infrastructural extension and maintenance, and two: financial provision. We have to address these two things first, and then we can easily enhance the area of research and achieve reputation in this arena. We have an extra privilege that there is no other university in the world like Dhaka University that has contributed much on the process of building the nation. Bangladesh Post: What action will you take to eliminate political extremists’ groups from Dhaka University?
Dr Akhtaruzzaman: There is no evidence that these communal groups exist in Dhaka University. There is a possibility that some individuals are working furtively. And if they are identified, the university administration will handle them strictly. Dhaka University is a secular, democratic and liberal institution. No communal activity will be allowed here. We believe, the students will also cooperate us for making Dhaka University great again. Bangladesh Post: Thank you for giving us time from your busy schedule. Dr Akhtaruzzaman: You are always welcome.
