A dynamic vice-chancellor is the first step to reforming higher education

A country's ability to grow depends on its citizens' capacity, consciousness, and conscientiousness, all of which are enhanced by higher education. For various reasons, we frequently express our dissatisfaction with the quality of higher education. Nonetheless, I believe that academic leadership—specifically, well-regarded academicians who excel in both teaching and research—plays a significant role in setting standards.
When an organisation is committed to achieving excellence in higher education, it intentionally designs learning environments that consider the diversity of students' learning styles, backgrounds, identities as learners, and modes of learning and involvement.
An unprecedented wave of mass protests forced Sheikh Hasina, who had ruled Bangladesh with an iron fist for years, to step down on 5 August and eventually leave the nation. To honour their struggles and sacrifices, students demanded that Nobel laureate Professor Dr Muhammad Yunus lead the interim government.
Students have led a bloody uprising against the rulers, creating a unique opportunity to reform the governmental structure. The chief advisor pointed to planned protests by several parties throughout the capital, which demanded reforms in their specific sectors of interest as evidence that people would prefer changes over elections under the interim administration.
Selecting the best academics to head Bangladesh's universities is the main task facing the interim government, especially for the education advisor, since most vice-chancellors, pro-vice chancellors, and treasurers of public universities resigned after Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was overthrown. The current topic of discussion is the appointment of vice-chancellors for Bangladeshi universities.
Many believe that today's vice-chancellors are not necessarily competent or student-friendly. In this scenario, students are searching for a capable and effective vice-chancellor. The position of vice chancellor is crucial for raising the standard of higher education in Bangladesh. 
A capable and astute vice chancellor can transform a university into a cutting-edge, research-focused institution. However, there is cause for concern given the issues surrounding the appointment of vice-chancellors at the country's universities.
It is clear that party politics have an impact on academic life. Promotion and hiring practices at universities should never favour one party over another. Selecting party members over competent candidates frequently causes rifts among instructors, staff, and students. The impact of party politics has ruined the learning atmosphere and created distrust and division in the classroom.
A major issue facing Bangladeshi universities is the lack of accountability and transparency. This deficiency is negatively affecting the university's autonomy, the quality of instruction, and the effectiveness of the educational system as a whole. Vice-chancellors have occasionally prioritised their own interests over those of the university.
The interim government must also create an efficient policy and adhere to it rigorously to ensure accountability and transparency. A university's future can be significantly impacted by the actions of its vice-chancellor. While a failing vice-chancellor might push the university backwards, a successful one can steer it towards a bright future. Positive changes can be made to the university in all areas by an inclusive vice chancellor who emphasises raising educational standards.
By prioritising infrastructure development, a vice chancellor can transform the university into a cutting-edge institution. By fostering more communication between the university and the community, the vice chancellor can engage the university in community service. 
However, a vice chancellor gone bad might spell ruin for the university. The support of political party interests by a vice chancellor could compromise the university's independence. Research efforts could come to a standstill, and the quality of education could deteriorate.
The university may become less relevant if it is isolated from society. University teachers are the conscience of the nation. They should, therefore, voice their opposition to any anomalies at the university. Additionally, they should oppose a government that is solely focused on parties. 
Students desire a vice chancellor who is well-regarded by everyone. The election of the vice-chancellor should be conducted impartially and transparently. A vice chancellor must be chosen who will represent the university's interests. Allowing the vice chancellor to operate autonomously and without political interference is a good idea.
In addition to having a strong academic background, the vice-chancellor should be a visionary leader and philanthropist. They should prioritise the university's goals above all else and establish the institution as a key player in advancing national development.
A vice-chancellor needs to possess strong academic credentials and research expertise. They should become an authority in their field and encourage others to pursue research opportunities. A university is a complex institution. Therefore, the ability to effectively manage the university is a prerequisite for a vice-chancellor. Moreover, a vice chancellor needs to plan for the university's future and be forward-thinking to foster continuous improvement.
To establish a positive learning environment, a vice chancellor should strive to unite the staff, instructors, and students. 
To propel Bangladesh's institutions to new heights, several significant changes are required. These changes will elevate the university system as a whole, not just the vice-chancellor appointment process. The university should conduct all of its operations transparently. Everyone should have access to information regarding the budget, hiring, promotions, and other aspects of the university.
The institution needs to ensure that staff, faculty, and students are involved in the decision-making process. They should be represented on various academic committees. Raising the standard of education should be the top priority. Universities should hire skilled personnel and implement specific actions to support innovation and research.
The interim government's recent appointment of vice-chancellors, pro-vice chancellors, and treasurers at Dhaka University is commendable since it exemplifies the ethos of meritocracy. When appointing vice-chancellors, pro-vice-chancellors, and treasurers of other public universities, the interim administration should adhere to the same principles. Instead of demanding quick fixes, the people of the nation must exercise patience and allow the interim government to gradually overcome the obstacles the country faces.

Dr Mohammad Tarikul Islam, Professor in Government and Politics at Jahangirnagar University holds visiting scholar and guest faculty status at Oxford, Harvard, and Cambridge.

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions and views of The Business Standard.