3 Tech Universities Bypass Legal Criteria in VC Appointments

The government has appointed professors from unrelated academic disciplines as vice-chancellors (VCs) at three public science and technology universities despite legal provisions requiring the posts to be filled by distinguished academics in science and technology.

At Sunamgonj Science and Technology University Prof Md Zakir Hossain an Al-Hadith and Islamic Studies professor at Islamic University was appointed VC on July 29. The university’s 2020 Act states that the VC must be a renowned academic in science and technology. Zakir said he did not appoint himself and believed the authorities had followed the law.

At Mawlana Bhashani Science and Technology University Prof ABM Shahidul Islam of Dhaka University’s Marketing Department became VC on May 16. The appointment notice cited the university law, although it requires the VC to be a specialist in science and technology. He could not be reached for comment.

At Noakhali Science and Technology University Prof Golam Rabbani of Dhaka University’s Institute of Social Welfare and Research was appointed under similar legal provisions. Asked about the issue, he said the chancellor has the authority to appoint any individual as VC.

The Education Ministry formed a search committee in May 2025 to recommend candidates for VC pro-VC and treasurer posts. However officials said the committee has become largely inactive with appointments also being proposed through the ministry.

Former University Grants Commission member Prof Md Tanzimuddin Khan, who served on the committee described the appointments as inconsistent with university laws. He said science and technology universities require leaders with expertise in scientific research and engineering, warning that the appointments undermine the government's stated commitment to strengthening governance and accountability in higher education.