Retired University of Chittagong professor Moktar Ahmed has been appointed vice-chancellor of Cox’s Bazar International University (CBIU).
The president, who also serves as the university’s chancellor, approved the appointment. The Ministry of Education announced the decision in a notification signed by Md Nesar Uddin, senior assistant secretary of the Private University-2 section under the Secondary and Higher Education Division, on Monday, October 12.
Professor Moktar Ahmed is the son of the late Alhaj Petan Ali Sowdagar and hails from Hajirpara in Rumkha Morichya, Ukhiya upazila, Cox’s Bazar. He spent much of his academic career in the Department of Botany at the University of Chittagong, where he also served as department chairman.
He began his career as a curator at the university’s Botanical Garden in February 1982 and served in that position until October 1992. He was promoted to assistant professor in October 1992, associate professor in June 1997, and professor in January 2004. He continued teaching at the university until October 2023.
Alongside his academic career, Professor Moktar Ahmed held several administrative positions. He served as provost of Sir AF Rahman Hall from May 2006 to April 2009 and chairman of the Department of Botany from March 2011 to March 2014. During the same period, he also served as acting professor in charge of the Botanical Garden from October 2011 to March 2014.
He also served as executive director of the university’s Chittagong Rural Development Project (CRDP) from February 2015 to March 2016.
CBIU founder and chairman Lion Mohammad Mujibur Rahman and members of the board of trustees congratulated him on his appointment. Teachers and university officials also extended their greetings.
The university authorities expressed hope that his leadership would open new opportunities for academic development, research, and institutional progress, improving the quality and expanding higher education.
Cox’s Bazar Life Report
Photo: Collected
