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Dr. ASM Maksud Kamal, an enthusiastic academician, edu-administrator, and renowned geologist, currently holds the esteemed position of Vice-Chancellor at the University of Dhaka, a role he has occupied since November 4, 2023. Before assuming his current role as Vice-Chancellor, he served as the Pro Vice-Chancellor (Academic).
Dr. Maksud Kamal, professor of the Disaster Science and Climate Resilience department, was elected dean of the Earth and Environmental Sciences faculty in 2012. He was the elected president of the Dhaka University Teachers' Association for four consecutive terms (2017–2020) and general secretary for three terms (2014–2016). He was the convener of Neel Dal, an Awami League-backed teacher organization at the university. Apart from this, he is the president of the Federation of Bangladesh University Teachers' Association.
• Dhaka University has passed its hundred years. But it has not become research-oriented yet. What are your thoughts on this?
Maksud Kamal: Both research and giving diplomas are important in the context of university. In developed countries, the country’s capacity to control the economy has been built through research. Building a research-oriented university, considering the demands of the age, is my goal. A university is not only a store of knowledge. The university will generate knowledge for public welfare. It is called the impact of the research. The research findings will be shared with the government, and then society will benefit.
• Questions arise often regarding the ranking of the university. What is your plan to take it to a better level?
Maksud Kamal: Ranking authorities for universities, especially Times Higher Education, have updated their ranking criteria. They emphasized the impact of higher education. Almost 60% of credits are calculated based on the research environment and research quality. Research's impact on public welfare is considered research quality. At Dhaka University, we conduct a lot of research. But we seldom see its application at the grass-roots level and for social change. We desire to bring change to our research.
• As the Vice-Chancellor, what issues will you focus on at the beginning?
Maksud Kamal: As I have served in various administrative and academic positions at the university, it will be easy for me to address the gaps. If we can ensure the learning environment at the beginning, it will bring positive psychological change among the students. The security of the campus area is one of our key concerns. As it is an open campus, the university has limited control over it. We will try to ensure the security of the university area as well as cleanliness.
• The DUCSU election, which broke the 28-year hiatus, has stopped again. Will you take the initiative to organize the poll?
Maksud Kamal: As a student-friendly edu-administrator, I personally believe that the leadership qualities of students are developed through the DUCSU election. We want to enhance the leadership qualities of our students. Certainly, I will pay attention to it when the time and environment are favorable for the election.
• The accommodation crisis has been more acute in recent years and is hampering academic activities seriously. What is your plan to sort out the issues?
Maksud Kamal: At Dhaka University, the majority of students come from middle-class and lower-middle-class backgrounds. They come here from the grassroots. Due to not having accommodation facilities in Dhaka city, they decide to reside in the dormatory of the university. Students have to pile up in the room. We call it ‘Gonoroom’. This is the real scenario. To change the scenario, we have to implement the master plan, through which new resident halls and extension buildings of existing halls will be constructed. And we will put an end to ‘Gonoroom’ culture.
• The university has lots of initiatives to encourage teachers to do research. Do you have any sorts of initiatives to encourage students to engage in research and innovation?
Maksud Kamal: We have policies. Each teacher can engage at least two students as research associate in his or her research. We have financial allocations for students in this regard. We introduced the policy to make the students research-oriented. Many departments of Dhaka University did not conduct thesis works at master's level. Through the academic council, we introduced the policy that at least 30 percent of master's level students must be encouraged by the department or institute to do research or theses. As a result, several departments have already started to admit thesis students at the master's level. Now the students will learn how to research.
• Students complain about the food, served in the canteens of resident halls. Will you pay attention to this matter?
Maksud Kamal: I have already visited two resident hall canteens. Due to the increase in the price of the goods, if the canteen serves quality food, the price also rises. As I appointed as the vice chancellor, I will try to get allocations from the government or from the any other concerns. Then the price can be reduced by providing subsidies.
• Earlier, you were the Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Education). At that time, you were in charge of ‘Seven Colleges’ matters. And now you are the Vice-Chancellor. Do you think Dhaka University is struggling to handle ‘Seven Colleges’?
Maksud Kamal: Dhaka University has no reason to struggle, because there are certain rules and regulations. Students of ‘Seven Colleges’ often do not want to obey the rules. But the principals are very competent. They cooperate with the university authorities in all matters. In terms of teaching and policies, the colleges are improving as a result of the supervision of Dhaka University. Dhaka University acts as the guardian of the nation. National development can be ensured if Dhaka University and other institutions of the nation progress simultaneously. We are still trying to improve the colleges.
• Demands often arise for a special status to Dhaka University. What are the official approaches in this regard?
Maksud Kamal: We took initiatives in this regard when I was the president and general secretary of DUTA, the Dhaka University Teachers’ Association. Still, DUTA is working on this. Dhaka University still has a special status unofficially. The teachers and students of Dhaka University are well appreciated in every part of the country. We want to transform Dhaka University into a Center of Excellence, which means building a research-oriented environment. If the government declares Dhaka University a Center of Excellence, then our transformation initiative will be accelerated.
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