The government has appointed Prof SMA Faiz, a former vice-chancellor of Dhaka University and ex-chairman of the Bangladesh Public Service Commission (PSC), as the new chairman of the University Grants Commission (UGC).
Prof Faiz, who was a teacher at the Department of Soil, Water, and Environment at Dhaka University, will serve as the UGC chairman for four years. His salary, allowances, and other benefits will follow government rules, according to a notice from the Ministry of Education released on Thursday. His appointment will be effective from the date of his joining.
Prof Faiz has had a long and distinguished career in education and public service. He served as the chairman of the PSC from 1993 to 1998, overseeing recruitment and selection for government jobs. Later, he became the vice-chancellor of Dhaka University, holding the position from September 2002 to January 2009.
Prof Faiz will be taking over from Prof Kazi Shahidullah, who resigned as the UGC chairman on August 11. Shahidullah’s resignation came amid a reshuffle in the top tiers of both government and non-government organisations.
The UGC plays a vital role in overseeing public universities in Bangladesh, ensuring quality education, and managing funding. Prof Faiz’s experience in academic administration and public service is expected to bring valuable insights to the commission.
His appointment comes at a time when the UGC is focusing on enhancing the quality of higher education and improving the management of public universities. Prof Faiz’s leadership is anticipated to guide the UGC in addressing challenges and advancing the higher education sector in Bangladesh.
The academic community and other stakeholders are hopeful that Prof Faiz’s vast experience will help drive positive changes in the country's university system.
