Wahida Akter, a teacher of Jamalpur Science and Technology University (JSTU), has been appointed as the chairman of the Department of Geology.
She has been given this responsibility for a tenure of three years. With this appointment, she has become the first female department chairman in the history of the university.
The appointment was made through an office order signed by university Registrar Md Sarwar Jahan on 5 November.
According to the order, the appointment was made under Section 4, subsections 2 and 2(b), of the university’s first statute. It will take effect from the date Wahida Akter joins the post. She will receive allowances and other benefits in accordance with university rules and has been asked to take over responsibilities from the outgoing chairman promptly.
Before her appointment, Wahida Akter worked at several government and autonomous institutions. She served as an assistant manager at Bangladesh Petroleum Exploration and Production Company (BAPEX) under Petrobangla, an assistant director at the Geological Survey of Bangladesh (GSB) and an assistant director at the Ministry of Environment.
Speaking about her new role, Wahida Akter said: “Being appointed chairman of the department is a matter of joy and pride for me. At the same time, it comes with significant responsibilities. I do not see this role merely as a position or an honour. I consider it an opportunity to develop the department and help shape the future of its students.
“I would like to thank Nazmul Hossain sir, on behalf of the department and personally, for laying the foundation of this new department. We are grateful to him.”
On her plans for students, she said: “My biggest dream is to prepare students so that they can stand tall and face the competitive world with confidence, whether they pursue careers in the geological sector, join the Bangladesh Civil Service (BCS), or pursue higher education and research at home or abroad. I want them to demonstrate their ability and talent in every field.”
Wahida Akter is the first teacher appointed to the Department of Geology. She is also its first woman and first faculty member to become chairman. Before her appointment, Nazmul Hossain, an assistant professor of the Department of Mathematics, had served as chairman since the department was established.
