Former Dhaka University VC Joins Grameen University as Senior Strategic Advisor

Grameen University, an initiative spearheaded by Nobel Peace Prize laureate Muhammad Yunus, is steadily progressing towards its launch, marking a significant step in Bangladesh's higher education landscape. The recent appointment of Professor Niaz Ahmed Khan, former vice-chancellor of Dhaka University, as senior strategic advisor signals a commitment to academic excellence and robust institutional development. This move, bolstered by formal approval from Dhaka University, brings invaluable experience to the nascent institution. The university's journey, however, has been a protracted one, marked by delays in securing government approvals since the initial land acquisition in 2014. The upcoming academic activities and the construction of a permanent campus in Kaliganj, Gazipur, are now set to commence following the necessary clearances from the Ministry of Education and the University Grants Commission (UGC) in March and April 2025, respectively. From the perspective of The Daily Star, Grameen University represents more than just another educational institution; it embodies the spirit of innovation and social development that is crucial for Bangladesh's future. The involvement of Professor Khan, a respected academic figure, is seen as a strong endorsement, promising a high standard of education and research. The delays encountered underscore the bureaucratic hurdles that often accompany ambitious projects in Bangladesh, but the current momentum suggests a determined push towards realizing Yunus's vision for an institution that fosters critical thinking and societal contribution.