Dhaka University (DU) Vice-Chancellor Professor Niaz Ahmed Khan said on Sunday that he would not seek to continue in his role once an elected government takes office, clarifying that his tenure was always intended to be temporary.
Speaking to a local newspaper, Professor Niaz Ahmed Khan described his current position as primarily a ‘salvage operation’ and stressed that he did not wish to obstruct the functioning of a political government once it assumes power after the national elections.
‘My Job Was to Set Things in Order’
Professor Niaz Ahmed Khan, a distinguished academic who assumed the vice-chancellorship following a period of political turmoil at the university, explained his mandate.
“I tried to stabilise a few things, and the university has reached a certain stage. Democratic bodies have resumed functioning, discipline has largely returned to the halls, and funds have been secured,” he said.
He emphasised the temporary nature of his appointment: “My job was to set things in order. An elected government will now take it forward. I do not want to stand in their way. It is natural that they will make decisions as they see fit.”
The Vice-Chancellor clarified that he had assumed the position only for the interim period, stating he had not joined for a standard four-year term. “Others came for four years, but I did not. I joined temporarily. I do not see this as a job. I am a teacher, and I want to return to my department,” he stated, indicating his intention to resume his teaching duties at the Development Studies department.
Respect for Political Government and Future Considerations
When asked about his concern regarding a political government despite leading an autonomous institution, Professor Niaz Ahmed Khan attributed it to the country’s political landscape.
“Dhaka University is a national institution. When an elected government comes, it has its own priorities, and I respect that. I am not a partisan person; I am non-political, and I do not want to obstruct their plans,” he explained.
He, however, noted that he remains open to dialogue should the new administration require his services. “If the elected government feels it needs me, I will discuss it and may reconsider,” he added.
Regarding speculations about his future, the Vice-Chancellor confirmed that a diplomatic role was a possibility, though not yet a formal offer. “Going abroad as an ambassador is one possibility that has been discussed, but I have not received any formal proposal,” he said, commenting on recent media reports suggesting his potential appointment as Bangladesh’s next ambassador to Denmark.
