Islamic University (IU) in Kushtia, established on November 22, 1979, has seen 14 vice-chancellors since its founding, but only one has completed a full term. The university, the first public institution founded in independent Bangladesh, has faced frequent leadership changes due to allegations of irregularities, corruption, and political influence. Most vice-chancellors were removed or forced to resign before completing their tenure.

The only vice-chancellor to serve a full term was Professor Md. Harun-ur-Rashid Askari, who led from August 21, 2016, to August 20, 2020, and introduced nine new departments including Biomedical Engineering and Pharmacy. The latest appointee, Professor Dr. Nakib Mohammad Nasrullah from Dhaka University, took office on September 24, 2024, following the resignation of Professor Sheikh Abdus Salam after the July 2024 political upheaval.

Teachers from Rajshahi University and Dhaka University have been appointed most frequently as IU vice-chancellors, while only three have come from IU itself. With the BNP now in power, speculation has arisen about another leadership change, and IU students are demanding that the next vice-chancellor be selected from within the university.