CHATTOGRAM, BANGLADESH, March 19 (V7N) -  Former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Chittagong, Professor Anwarul Azim Arif, passed away early Thursday while undergoing treatment at a hospital in the port city. He was 75.

Family sources said Prof. Arif, who had long been suffering from diabetes-related complications, fell critically ill late Wednesday night and was rushed to the Center for Specialized Care and Research Hospital, where doctors declared him dead at approximately 3:15 am.

“My father had long been suffering from diabetes. He suddenly fell ill last night and we took him to the hospital… where the doctors declared him dead,” said his eldest son, Iftekhar Arif Rajib, an associate professor at the Institute of Education and Research of the university.

The first Namaz-e-Janaza for the late academic was held at Jamiatul Falah Mosque at 11:00 am on Thursday. A second funeral prayer is scheduled after Asr at Uzair Ali Chowdhury Mosque, his hometown.

Prof. Arif served as the 16th Vice-Chancellor of the University of Chittagong from 2011 to 2015. Over a distinguished academic career spanning decades, he made significant contributions to higher education and institutional development in Bangladesh.

Born on May 1, 1951, in Ichhamatikul under Satkania in Chattogram district, he completed his early education locally before pursuing higher studies at the University of Chittagong, where he earned his B.Com. and M.Com. degrees in Management. He later obtained an MBA from a university in the Philippines in 1982.

He began his academic career as a lecturer in the Department of Management at the University of Chittagong in 1976 and went on to serve in several key administrative roles, including Pro-Vice-Chancellor in 2001. Beyond CU, he also held the position of Vice-Chancellor at Premier University and International Islamic University Chittagong.

In addition to his academic leadership, Prof. Arif was actively involved in the banking sector. He served as Chairman of Social Islami Bank Limited and was elected Chairman of the Executive Committee of the Islamic Banks Consultative Forum in 2021.

His contributions to academia were recognized internationally when he was awarded “Best Professor in Strategic Management” at the World Education Congress Best B-School Award in 2012.

Prof. Arif is survived by his wife and three sons. His death marks the end of a distinguished career dedicated to education, leadership, and public service.

END/WD/RH