The government has appointed eminent educationist and former Dhaka University professor Dr. Mahbub Ullah as national professor for a five-year term.

The Ministry of Education’s Secondary and Higher Education Division issued a gazette notification today confirming the appointment under the “Bangladesh National Professor Policy-2023.”

According to the notification, Dr. Mahbub Ullah will hold the position for five years from the date of appointment. 

During his tenure, he will receive salary and allowances under Grade-1 of the National Pay Scale-2015 along with all other government facilities but he will not be considered a government officer.

The terms of appointment allow him to engage in research activities with any institution of his choice, keeping the Ministry of Education and the University Grants Commission (UGC) informed of his research fields. 

He must also submit annual progress reports through the affiliated institution, which will forward research outcomes to the ministry and the UGC. 

He cannot hold any other salaried position while serving as the national professor.

He is a distinguished academic and writer, taught at Dhaka University’s Department of Development Studies from 2005 to 2011 and at Chittagong University’s Department of Economics from 1976 to 2005.

In his illustrious career, he served as Pro-Vice Chancellor of the National University from 1993 to 1997 and as Chairman of Sonali Bank’s Board of Directors from 2003 to 2006.

The noted economist earned his Master’s degree from Dhaka University in 1967, another Master’s degree from Boston University in 1980, and a PhD from Jawaharlal Nehru University, India, in 1990.