DU VC wants to quit

Dhaka University Vice Chancellor Professor Dr Niaz Ahmed Khan on Tuesday, February 10, announced that he wants to step down from his post, saying he assumed office during a period of emergency that has now passed.

He made the announcement at a special press conference held at 3:00pm at the Professor Abdul Matin Chowdhury Virtual Classroom, adjacent to the vice chancellor’s office on the university campus.

“I took charge during a time of emergency. That emergency is no longer there. So I want to step down from the duty of vice chancellor,” Niaz Ahmed Khan said.

He added that he would also seek exemption from deputation and return to his primary role as a teacher at the Department of Development Studies.

“I will seek exemption from deputation and return to my main job of teaching,” he said.

The vice chancellor said the university had been able to overcome the emergency or special situation under which he assumed office, with the support of various stakeholders.

“I now feel that we are at a good stage in discharging our responsibilities, and I want to step down,” he said, adding that there is currently no administrative vacuum and that a smooth transition is possible.

However, he noted that if the government and stakeholders believe continuity requires him to stay a little longer, he is willing to do so.

“If the government and stakeholders feel that continuity requires me to stay a little longer, I am willing,” he said.

Professor Niaz Ahmed said he wants to step down so that an elected political government can organise the university administration as it sees fit.

“If my cooperation is needed in that process, I am ready at any time,” he added.

He also said that he and his team have worked intensively for a long period and that he now needs some rest.

Niaz Ahmed Khan was appointed as the 30th vice chancellor of Dhaka University on 27 August 2024.