UGC chairman elected South Asian University board chief

University Grants Commission (UGC) Chairman Professor Dr Mamun Ahmed has been elected chairman of the Governing Board of South Asian University (SAU), established in New Delhi, India, under an initiative of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC).

He was elected for the next term at the university’s 16th Governing Board meeting held in New Delhi on 8 and 9 October.

Mamun Ahmed succeeds outgoing chairman Professor Kapila Seneviratne, the representative of Sri Lanka. His election is expected to strengthen regional cooperation in higher education and research in South Asia and expand Bangladesh’s representation in the regional academic arena.

Expressing his gratitude after the election, Professor Mamun Ahmed said it was an honour and a privilege for a Bangladeshi representative to be elected chairman of the university’s Governing Board.

He said he would discharge his responsibilities with sincerity and dedication while safeguarding the interests of Bangladeshi students and promoting cooperation in higher education and research among South Asian countries.

Drawing on his experience at Dhaka University and the UGC, he said he would work to improve the university’s academic standards, strengthen institutional capacity and ensure greater administrative transparency.

He also emphasised joint research, faculty and student exchanges, enhanced digital connectivity among universities in SAARC member states, and expanded scholarship opportunities for students.

The Governing Board meeting was chaired by Professor Kapila Seneviratne and attended by board members.

According to the board’s decision, the chairman’s tenure will continue for two consecutive meetings or two years from the date of election, whichever comes first.

At the board’s 13th meeting on 21 August 2024, a proposal was adopted to elect Professor Seneviratne as the next chairman. He subsequently chaired the 14th and 15th meetings before Mamun Ahmed was elected as his successor.

Professor Mamun Ahmed is a professor in the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at Dhaka University. Before taking charge as UGC chairman, he served as the university’s pro-vice-chancellor (academic).

Established in New Delhi in 2010 through an initiative involving the eight SAARC member states, South Asian University aims to promote cooperation in higher education and research, facilitate knowledge exchange and strengthen regional integration.

The regional university provides opportunities for students and researchers from South Asian countries to pursue higher education and research.