A Tribute
A Biographical Tribute to an Extraordinary Woman and Lifelong Friend - 2026
Professor Dr Eaysmin Ara Lekha
Founding Trustee & Vice Chancellor
Uttara University, Dhaka, Bangladesh
Professor Dr Eaysmin Ara Lekha is a distinguished higher education leader, academic scholar, and a disruptive institutional builder with three decades of experience in university teaching & management, research, governance, and executive administration. She currently serves as the Vice Chancellor of Uttara University, where she leads strategic development, academic quality enhancement, research expansion, capacity building, internationalization, and institutional governance.
Dr Lekha previously served as the Pro Vice Chancellor (2012–2023) at the same institution and has been integrally involved in the university’s development since its formative years as a Founder Member of the Trustee Board and former Vice Chairperson. Her governance experience extends beyond her home institution, having served as a Regent Board Member of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Science & Technology University (2018–2023), contributing to statutory oversight and policy guidance at a public university level.
Her academic credentials include a PhD in Linguistics from Jadavpur University and a Doctor of Literature (Postdoctoral) from Ranchi University. She has supervised doctoral research at leading Indian public universities and has authored many books and peer-reviewed publications in education, linguistics, and literary studies.
As a governance leader, Dr Lekha has served on key statutory bodies including the Syndicate, Academic Council, faculty recruitment committees, and disciplinary boards. She has also contributed to national-level oversight as a Viva Board Member and Question Paper Moderator for the Bangladesh Public Service Commission.
Beyond academia, she has played foundational roles in setting up educational institutions and social business initiatives, reflecting her commitment to accessible, quality education and community development. She is the recipient of multiple international leadership recognitions, including the Lifetime Achievement Award from the World Science Congress (2024) and the Distinguished Leadership Award from the Australian Academy of Business Leadership (2015).
Professor Lekha’s leadership philosophy centers on academic excellence, ethical governance, gender equity, women empowerment and preparing future-ready graduates aligned with national and global development priorities.
Professor Dr Eaysmin Ara Lekha currently serves on the Board as an ex-officio member with a commitment to strategic stewardship, institutional integrity, and sustainable growth in higher education. Her visionary yet participatory leadership has had a lasting impact within the community, and with her great many abilities are a testament to the fact that we, as a community and society have our faith and trust in her.
May Allah SWT keep her healthy and happy. Best wishes to her in this life and thereafter.