Professor Eaysmin Ara Lekha, PhD, is the incumbent Vice Chancellor (VC) of Uttara University. Before her appointment as VC in 2023 she served many years as Pro-Vice Chancellor of the University. She is a visionary and transformational leader who has devoted her career to revolutionizing the field of education. She exemplifies the ideal combination of academic excellence and exceptional leadership abilities, inspiring her colleagues and students to achieve new heights. Her administrative expertise and organizational talents guarantee the institution’s smooth operation.
Dr. Lekha began her academic career at the University of Dhaka, where she received her BA (Honors) in 1992 and MA in Bengali Literature & Linguistics in 1995. She pursued her passion for education by earning her B.Ed and M.Ed degrees in 1998 and 2002, respectively, from the National University of Bangladesh. She earned a doctorate in linguistics from Jadavpur University in India, solidifying her position as a formidable scholar.
Dr. Lekha has held numerous prestigious positions throughout her illustrious career, including Dean of School of Education & Physical Education, Chairman of the Department of Education, Professor and Associate Professor of the Department of Education at Uttara University, and Assistant Professor at National University’s Education & Development Institute. She has extensive experience instructing graduate and undergraduate courses including Bengali Literature & Linguistics, Educational Administration, and the Foundation of Educational Institutions. Dr. Lekha has demonstrated exceptional administrative abilities throughout her career. She was also the convener of the Sexual harassment protection committee and a member of several important committees at Uttara University, including the Syndicate, Academic Council, Teachers Appointment Committee, Officers & Staff Appointment Committee, and the Disciplinary Committee. She is a member of National Consumer Rights Protection body and a member of Bangladesh Scouts. She has also served on the Viva Board and Question Moderation Board at Bangladesh Public Service Commission (BPSC), and Regent Board (Syndicate) at Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Science and Technology University, Gopalganj. Dr. Lekha’s exceptional administrative skills have garnered her the admiration and respect of her peers, making her a sought-after leader in the education industry.
In addition to her administrative and pedagogical background, Dr. Lekha has participated in the public examination and supervision of Ph.D. dissertations, examiner and internal examiner for National University’s B.Ed (Bachelor of Education) examination. In addition, she served as a moderator and external expert on the Viva Board of the BPSC and Consumer Rights Protection member. In addition, she served as an external examiner at Netaji Subhas Open University, Kolkata, West Bengal, India; Kalyani University, West Bengal, India; and University of Gour Banga, Malda, India, where she supervised Ph.D. dissertations. The academic and administrative brilliance of Dr. Lekha, as well as her dedication to her pupils, have made her a highly esteemed and motivational educator. Her contributions to the field of education are unparalleled, and her teachings and leadership continue to inspire generations of students and instructors.
Additionally, Dr. Lekha excels in research and writing. Her books are used as part of the curriculum nationally and internationally, especially in West Bengal, India. Her research articles, which have been published in prestigious national and international journals, attest to her intellectual acumen and unwavering commitment to the field of education over a career spanning more than two decades. Some of her notable publications include: কামাল চৌধুরী’র মু্ক্তি ও স্বাধীনতার কবিতা: স্বদেশ চেতনা (বাংলা একাডেমী পত্রিকা-২০১৩), আলাউদ্দিন আল আজাদের উপন্যাস: বিষয় ও শিল্পরূপ, দক্ষিণবঙ্গীয় লৌকিক ছড়ার ভাষাতাত্ত্বিক বৈশিষ্ট্য (বাংলা ছড়া পরিক্রমা, সম্পাদক-বরুণকুমার চক্রবর্তী, কলকাতা-২০১৪), বলাকায় নবরূপে রবীন্দ্রনাথ (রাঁচি বিশ্ববিদ্যালয় স্নাতকোত্তর বাংলা বিভাগীয় পত্রিকা, ঝাড়খন্ড, ভারত-২০১৪), রবীন্দ্রনাথের কবিতায় বাংলাদেশ (কথামুখ, সম্পাদক বরুনকুমার চক্রবর্তী, কলকাতা-২০১৫), রবীন্দ্র ভাবনায় শিক্ষা ও সমাজ (লেখনী: ভাশা-সাহিত্য ও সংস্কৃতি, উত্তরা ইউনিভার্সিটি ২০১৭), ফরিদপুরের লোকসাহিত্য: প্রবাদ (ফোকলোর রাজশাহী বিশ্ববিদ্যালয়, বাংলাদেশ ফোকলর গবেষণা কেন্দ্র (২০১৭), “ঠার: বেদে জনগোষ্ঠীর ভাষা” গ্রন্থ পাঠউত্তর ধারণা (দৈনিক সমকাল ২০২৩)। She has also authored several books, including ফরিদপুরের উপভাষা: আন্বয়িক গঠন (বাংলাদেশ বিশ্ববিদ্যালয় মঞ্জুরী কমিশন-২০১৭। এটি একটি পাঠ্য বই হিসেবে বঙ্গবন্ধু শেখ মুজিবর রহমান বিজ্ঞান ও প্রযুক্তি বিশ্ববিদ্যালয়ের বাংলা বিভাগে অন্তর্ভুক্ত আছে), ফরিদপুরের সমাজ-উপভাষা (বাংলা একাডেমী-২০১৪), বাংলাদেশের কবিতার কবি (আগামী প্রকাশনী, ঢাকা-২০১৩), অন্তরঙ্গ অবলোকন (কবি প্রকাশনী, ২০১৩), তিন শিল্পী: শিল্পের অনুচেতনা (সমাচার পাবলিকেশন্স, ২০১৪), শিক্ষাদান পদ্ধতি ও কৌশল (স্মৃতি প্রকাশনী, ২০০৮). Her books are part of the curriculum at Public Universities in Bangladesh.
Dr. Lekha is also involved in community service and has worked with several NGOs and educational institutions to promote education in underprivileged communities. She is the founder of numerous institutions, such as co-founder of Uttara University in Uttara, Dhaka, M. A. Rouf College on Herabari Road in Gopalganj, Sabira Rouf College on Herabari Road in Gopalganj, Sabira Rouf Physical Education College in Gopalganj, and Berer Bari Hospital in Dhunat, Bogra. In addition, she is Executive Director of Md. Badrul Iqbal Ltd. (MBIL) in Chamilybag, Santinagar, Dhaka. Her contributions to the development of the education and healthcare sectors in Bangladesh are immeasurable, and her commitment is exemplary. She regularly contributes articles to newspapers on current issues, including education, women’s empowerment, sexual harassment and the dowry system, drug addiction, etc. She firmly believes in the transformative force of education and strives to impact the lives of her students and the greater community through her work.
Dr. Lekha’s exceptional abilities and commitment have earned her numerous honors, including: ‘MTC Global Award for Excellence:2018’ for outstanding contribution on higher education and Bengali literature, ‘International Women’s Day Award-2017’ for special contribution to the Education sector by Asian Human Rights Foundation, Dhaka 3, ‘Special Honor’ from the Department of Bengali, Visva-Bharati, India, September-2016 (For special Contribution on Education and Research), and ‘International Women’s Day (For Special Contribution on Education Field) Kabi Parishod-Award-2015 (Special Honour for Contribution to Children and Education), Best Writer Award 2011 from Vinnomatra, and Prime Bank National Seminar Special Award 2011. She is also honored with “Biswa Manab Shiksha Chakra 2023” award by Jangipur Manab Shiksha Research and Training Institute, Murshidabad, India in their 15th Annual Convocation.
Dr. Lekha’s unwavering dedication to her pupils and colleagues has made her an exemplary and esteemed figure in the education sector. Through her teachings and leadership, her outstanding contributions to the field of education continue to inspire generations of students and educators. Prof. Dr. Eaysmin Ara Lekha is a true innovator who exemplifies academic excellence, leadership, and commitment.