Dhaka: Dr Mohammad Israfil, a professor from the Department of Theatre and Performance Studies at Dhaka University (DU), has been appointed as the inaugural vice-chancellor of Thakurgaon University. The government has assigned Prof Israfil to this pivotal role on a contractual basis for the next four years, marking the beginning of a new chapter for the institution.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Prof Israfil officially assumed his duties this morning following a notification issued by the Education Ministry on Wednesday, May 6. Born in 1964, Prof Israfil embarked on his academic career with a bachelor's degree in political science from DU, which he completed in 1988. He furthered his education with a master's degree in Theatre Direction from the National School of Drama (NSD) in New Delhi, India, in 1991. His academic achievements culminated in a PhD in Performance Studies from Rabindra Bharati University in Kolkata in 1999.
Prof Israfil joined the Department of Theatre and Performance Studies at Dhaka University in 1997, shortly after completing his PhD. Over the years, he has been the recipient of numerous awards and recognitions, including scholarships from the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) for his master's and PhD studies.
He is not only a founding member of UNESCO's Global Network for Higher Education in the Performing Arts but also a key figure in the Bangladesh ITI Centre. His international collaborations extend to serving as a jury member and guest lecturer at various global forums and festivals. Prof Israfil's professional commitments include his role as the founding Chairman of the Bangladesh Theatre for Development Network (BTDN).