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Published : 24 Dec 2025, 05:43 PM
Independent University, Bangladesh (IUB) has hosted a reception for Prof Osama Khan, an alumnus of its School of Business and Entrepreneurship (SBE) recently appointed the vice-chancellor and chief executive of the University of South Wales, United Kingdom.
The event was organised by IUB’s Career Guidance Placement and Alumni Relations (CGP&AR) Office on Dec 22, 2025.
Khan, who is set to assume his new role in May 2026, is the first academic of Bangladeshi heritage to lead a public university in Europe or North America.
He completed his Bachelor of Business Administration from IUB in 1999, graduating as valedictorian with a double major in finance and economics.
He is currently serving as deputy vice-chancellor (academic) at Aston University, UK, and holds degrees from the University of Cambridge, Lancaster University, and the University of Surrey.
The reception was attended by Didar A Husain, chairman of IUB’s Board of Trustees (BoT), Trustee Dr Husne Ara Ali, Vice Chancellor Prof M Tamim, Pro Vice-Chancellor Prof Daniel W Lund, faculty members, administrators, and numerous alumni.
In his speech, Khan reflected on his academic journey, highlighting the role IUB played in shaping his career.
“IUB is an elemental part of my journey and most of my accomplishments in life are duly credited to IUB. This university gave me my higher education, first job, and amazing faculty that ultimately led me down my path,” he said.
Recalling IUB’s early days, Didar said: “Osama and his parents trusted IUB when we were at our very nascent stage. Today, he [Khan] stands tall, having done so well for himself, and making all of us immensely proud.”
Tamim added, “Prof Osama Khan's story is an inspiration to those who pursue impactful achievements. On this joyful occasion, I hope we are all inspired even more.”
During the event, Khan was presented with an IUB-branded sash, crest, and alumni identity card.
The ceremony included a cake-cutting event and a vote of thanks from Lund.
IUB alumna Shamarukh Mahjabeen Tori, director at Regent Inc, and Sharmeen Islam, head of CGP&AR, also spoke at the reception, which concluded with dinner and musical performances.
The programme was moderated by Al-Zawad Islam Shadman and organised by Farjana Hafiz, assistant director, and Mukta Rani Nath, assistant career counselor, CGP&AR.
