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Professor Dr Mamun Ahmed, chairman of the University Grants Commission (UGC) of Bangladesh, has been elected chairman of the Governing Board of South Asian University (SAU), established in New Delhi 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 October 8 and 9.
Professor Mamun Ahmed succeeds Professor Kapila Seneviratne, the representative of Sri Lanka, who served as the outgoing chairman.
His election is expected to strengthen regional cooperation in higher education and research across South Asia and enhance Bangladesh’s representation in the university’s governance.
After his election, Professor Mamun Ahmed said it was a matter of great honour and prestige for him to be elected as Bangladesh’s representative to lead the university’s Governing Board.
He pledged to discharge his responsibilities with sincerity and dedication, safeguard the interests of Bangladeshi students and promote cooperation in higher education and research among South Asian countries.
He also said he would draw on his experience at the University of Dhaka and the UGC to improve academic standards, strengthen institutional capacity and enhance administrative transparency at the university.
He emphasised joint research initiatives among universities in SAARC member states, exchanges of teachers and students, stronger digital connectivity and expanded scholarship opportunities for students.
The Governing Board meeting was attended by its members and chaired by Professor Kapila Seneviratne.
According to a board decision, the chairman’s term will last for two consecutive meetings or two years from the date of election, whichever comes first.
At the board’s 13th meeting on August 21, 2024, members adopted a proposal to elect Professor Kapila Seneviratne as chairman. He subsequently chaired the 14th and 15th meetings before Professor Mamun Ahmed was elected through the latest selection process.
Professor Mamun Ahmed is a professor in the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at the University of Dhaka. Before taking charge as UGC chairman, he served as the university’s pro-vice-chancellor for academic affairs.
South Asian University was established in New Delhi in 2010 through an initiative of the eight SAARC member states to promote cooperation in higher education and research, facilitate knowledge exchange and strengthen regional integration. The regional university continues to expand opportunities for students and researchers across South Asia.
