History of the Institute

Dr. Md. Akhtaruzzaman is a Bangladeshi academic, currently the 28th Vice-Chancellor of the University of Dhaka. Prior to this position, he served in different academic, administrative and co-curricular development activities at the University of Dhaka including the Pro-Vice Chancellor (administration), Dean (Faculty of Arts), Chairman, Department of Islamic History & Culture, and Provost of the Kabi Jashim Uddin Hall, University of Dhaka.

Dr. Md. Akhtaruzzaman, the 2^nd son of Mrs. Eron Banu & Mr. Abul Hashem Khan (the freedom fighters of Bangladesh in 1971), was born in Kalipur of Patharghata in Barguna. He earned Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in History from the prestigious Aligarh Muslim University in 1997. He was a Fulbright Scholar at the Boston College, United States of America (USA) where he researched “Religions in American Public Life”. As a British Council Scholar at the Center for Christian Muslim Relations, Department of Theology and Religion, University of Birmingham, England, Dr. Akhtaruzzaman studied “Muslim Communities in United Kingdom”. Dr. Akhtaruzzaman has a post-graduate diploma in Persian language, and completed Bachelor of Arts (honours) and Master of Arts (M.A.) in Islamic History & Culture (IHC) from the University of Dhaka, securing first position in both the academic programs.

Dr. Akhtaruzzaman joined as a lecturer at the Department of Islamic History & Culture (IHC) of the University of Dhaka in 1990 and went on to become Professor in 2004. Prior to become the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Dhaka, Professor Akhtaruzzaman was the Pro-Vice Chancellor—Administration-, (June 2016 – September 05, 2017); Dean, Faculty of Arts (2014-2016); Chairman, Department of Islamic History & Culture (2008-2011), Chairman, Department of Arabic (2015-2016), and Provost, Kabi Jashimuddin Hall (2007-2013) of the University of Dhaka.

Leadership and academic positions:

Since 1990, he has provided leadership in different academic, administrative and co-curricular development activities at the University and National level, including: 

• Vice Chancellor (September 06, 2017–Present), University of Dhaka
• Professor (2004--Present), Department of Islamic History & Culture, University of Dhaka
• Pro-Vice Chancellor-Administration, (June 2016 – September 05, 2017), University of Dhaka
• Dean, Faculty of Arts (2014-2016), University of Dhaka
• Provost, Kabi Jasimuddin Hall (2007-2013), University of Dhaka
• Chairman, Department of Islamic History & Culture (2008-2011), University of Dhaka
• Chairman, Department of Arabic (2015-2016), University of Dhaka
• General Secretary (2004, 2005 & 2006), Dhaka University Teachers’ Association (DUTA)
• Vice President (2009 & 2011), Dhaka University Teachers’ Association (DUTA);
• Elected member for different period in the Dhaka University Senate, Syndicate and Academic Council.
• Nominated member in several public and private University Senate, Syndicate & Academic Council for different tenure;
• Member, (2012 – Present) Trustee Board, Prime Minister’s Education Assistance Trust), Government of Bangladesh
• Editor, Bangladesh Itihas Parishad Journal Itihas (2009-2014)
• Council Member (2006-2009), Asiatic Society of Bangladesh;
• General Secretary (2005-2009) and Vice President (2016- Present), Bangladesh Itihas Parishad
• Presidium-member, Bangladesh Peshajibi Somonnoy Parishad (2013- Present)
• Presidium-member, Bangladesh-Russia Moitry Samity (2017- Present)
• General Secretary, Aligarh Old Boys’ Association of Bangladesh (2007-2009)
• Besides, associated with different professional and socio-cultural bodies including Bangla Academy, Bangladesh Association for American Studies, Bangladesh Association for Fulbright Scholars, and Indian History Congress.

Dr. Akhtaruzzaman led the National Committee for Textbook Crisis Resolution formed by the Government of Bangladesh in 2009 as convener. This committee recommended for free distribution of textbooks for students up to class ten (10), and suggested reforms in printing and supplying textbooks. As a member of the National Curriculum Co-ordination Committee (NCCC), Professor Aktaruzzaman made significant contributions in advancing quality education in Bangladesh especially in the curriculum development and moderation of the school textbooks.

• Convener, Textbook Crisis Resolution National Committee (2008), Government of Bangladesh
• Convener, Textbook Printing and Distribution Oversee and Advisory Committee (2009 & 2010), Government of Bangladesh
• Member, National Education Policy 2010 Implementation Committee, Government of Bangladesh
• Member, National Curriculum Coordination Committee (NCCC); Government of Bangladesh

Dr. Akhtaruzzaman was elected general secretary of the Dhaka University Teachers' Association (DUTA) for three consecutive terms (2004-2006), and vice-president in 2009-2011. During the tenure as general secretary of the Dhaka University Teachers Association (DUTA), he played a pivotal role in protesting and organizing movements against several sensational target killings (e.g. killings of Professor Humayan Azad (February 27, 2004), Shah AMS Kibria (January 27, 2005), and Professor Mohammad Yunus (December 24, 2004); rise of extremist and their countrywide bomb-explosion; barbaric attack on Baisakhi festival at the Ramnabotmul; and the heinous grenade and bomb attack at the Bangladesh Awami League’s public meeting on 21^st August, 2004 that claimed many lives and injuries. 

Professor Akhtaruzaman took active role in forming public opinion against the military-backed government in 2007-2008 specially when the state of emergency was imposed; teachers from the Universities were arrested; and when students were assaulted at the Dhaka University playground. He was also active in protesting military regime in his student life in 1980s.