With the sitting of a new government in Bangladesh, the inevitable “administrative reshuffle” is knocking at our doorsteps. As vital government posts see new faces, the nation’s universities are open to the predictable departure and arrival of Vice Chancellors (VCs). Historically, these appointments during the partisan government have been less about academic vision and more about political alignment. We don’t expect something different from the present government but appoint visionary and skilled among the partisan academics with smart goals.
While developed nations utilize rigorous, multi-stage interviews and global headhunting to find university leaders, many argue that Bangladesh’s current institutional climate isn’t quite ready for such a complex move. However, staying the course of purely political appointments is a recipe for continued stagnation.
We need a “Middle Path”, a simplified, merit-based filter that bypasses the bureaucracy but demands accountability. Instead of a intricate interview process, the selection should hinge on two fundamental, precise questions:
- The “Why”: Why is this individual the right fit for the helm? This forces a candidate to move beyond their CV and articulate their personal philosophy on leadership and institutional integrity.
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The “Where”: Where do they intend to take the university during their tenure? This requires a roadmap. We no longer have the luxury of “caretaker” VCs who simply keep the lights on; we need architects who can define SMART GOALS and specific milestones for research, global ranking, and student welfare.
By demanding specific, written, and perhaps even public answers to these questions, the government can shift the narrative. A VC appointed on the strength of a clear, actionable vision is a VC who can be held accountable by the faculty and students alike.
So we suggest to our education minister that he compare the answers to “why and where questions” from his party affiliated academics and appoint those who the questions best.
Bangladesh may not be ready yet for a global search committee for VC appointment, but we certainly need academic leaders who know where they want to take the universities. Precise vision, not politics, must be the new prerequisite for the highest office in our academies.
Nota Bene: AI was utilized to present the thinking.
