Prof. ABM Shahidul Islam, a senior professor of Marketing Department at Dhaka University, formally joined as the new Vice-Chancellor of Mawlana Bhashani Science and Technology University (MBSTU) on Saturday.

He began his tenure by placing a wreath at the mazar of Mawlana Bhashani. After offering prayers, he signed the visitors' book, sharing his reflections on the late national leader.

Later, at the Vice-Chancellor’s office, the outgoing Vice-Chancellor Prof. Md. Anwarul Azim Akhand welcomed the new VC and formally handed over the responsibilities. Following the handover, Prof. Islam held an introductory meeting with the university’s deans, registrar, departmental chairmen, provosts, and heads of offices.

The President and Chancellor of the university appointed Prof. Islam for a four-year term on May 14, 2026.

A native of Tangail, Prof. Islam’s appointment has been met with local enthusiasm. He previously secured the 4th position in the Dhaka Board during his HSC at Government Maulana Mohammad Ali College in Tangail.

With a teaching and administrative career spanning 40 years, Prof. Islam is a Commonwealth Scholar who earned his M.Phil from the University of Strathclyde, UK, and his PhD from Dhaka University.

This marks his second tenure as a Vice-Chancellor, having previously served at Leading University in Sylhet from 2006 to 2009. He has also held several high-profile positions, including Director of the Bureau of Business Research (BBR) at Dhaka University and Chairman of the Center for Development and Policy Research.

In his initial reaction after joining, the new Vice-Chancellor sought the cooperation of teachers, students, and staff to ensure the overall development of the university. He emphasized his commitment to enhancing research quality and maintaining a modern, "session-jam-free" academic environment, according to a press release.