Dhaka: Professor Akhtar Hossain of the Department of Civil Engineering has been appointed as the new Pro-Vice Chancellor (Pro-VC) of Rajshahi University of Engineering and Technology (RUET). The appointment was announced in a notification issued by the Secondary and Higher Education Division of the Ministry of Education with the approval of the Chancellor of the university.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the notification was signed by Dr. Saiful Islam, Deputy Secretary of the Secondary and Higher Education Division of the Ministry of Education. The appointment adheres to Section 21(1) of the Rajshahi University of Engineering and Technology Act, 2003, with the approval of the President and Chancellor of the university. Prof Dr. Md. Akhtar Hossain is set to serve as Pro-VC for four years from the date of his joining or until his scheduled date of retirement, whichever comes first.
The notification specifies that Prof Dr. Hossain will receive salary, allowances, and other benefits as determined by the rules. During his tenure, he will exercise the powers vested in the Pro-Vice Chancellor and perform his duties in accordance with the laws and regulations of the university. The President and Chancellor retain the right to cancel this appointment at any time in the public interest, if necessary.
Prof Dr. Md. Akhtar Hossain is a senior faculty member in the Department of Civil Engineering at RUET and has been actively involved in teaching, research, and administrative activities at the university. His appointment is expected to enhance the administrative functions of RUET significantly.
The last Pro-VC at RUET was Prof Dr. Mortuza Ali of the Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, who served from October 12, 2010, to October 11, 2014. The position remained vacant for nearly 12 years until Prof Dr. Hossain's appointment, marking a crucial step in filling an important administrative gap at the university.
University stakeholders anticipate that under the leadership of the new Pro-VC, RUET will experience increased momentum in education, research, administrative coordination, and ongoing development activities. The long-vacant appointment is expected to contribute to more effective and coordinated policy-making activities at the university.