The BNP-led government has replaced vice-chancellors of eight public universities and the chairman of the University Grants Commission (UGC) within a month of taking office. Education Minister Dr. A N M Ehsanul Haque Milan announced the appointments at an emergency press briefing, stating that academic performance, research, and qualifications were considered in the selection process. The official gazettes were issued on March 16, confirming the new appointments and relieving the previous officeholders.

The opposition Jamaat-e-Islami sharply criticized the mass replacements, alleging that the government appointed politically loyal individuals rather than merit-based candidates. Jamaat leaders argued that the interim government had previously made careful selections and accused the BNP administration of undermining academic neutrality. National Citizen Party leader Dr. Mahmuda Mitu also expressed outrage on social media over the appointment of Dhaka University’s new vice-chancellor.

Former UGC chairman Dr. S M A Faiez resigned citing health reasons, and Dhaka University’s Pro-Vice-Chancellor Dr. Mamun Ahmed was appointed as his successor. Some academics described the rapid changes as alarming and inconsistent with expectations for a new Bangladesh.