Vice Chancellor, Dr. Rubana Huq
Dr. Rubana Huq is the Vice Chancellor of the Asian University for Women. Dr. Huq who earned wide prominence as the first female president of the Bangladesh Garments Manufacturers’ and Exporters’ Association (BGMEA), is a published poet who earned her PhD in Literature from India’s Jadavpur University. Dr. Huq has been a trustee of AUW. She was instrumental in launching AUW’s Pathways for Promise program that enables exceptionally talented workers from Bangladesh’s ready-made garment (RMG) factories to enroll at AUW. She was named as one of BBC’s top 100 women in the world in 2013 and again in 2014. Dr. Huq is currently also a Visiting Fellow at the Stern School of Business at New York University and the Asia Center at Harvard University.
David Denis Taylor, Interim Pro-Vice Chancellor
Before joining AUW, David Taylor was for many years at the School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London, where he became Pro-Director, Teaching and Learning, from 1998-2002. He then joined Aga Khan University in Karachi as Vice-Provost for Academic Development and worked there from 2002-2008. He also served as Interim Provost from 2003-2008. Later, he was appointed Director of the Aga Khan University Institute for the Study of Muslim Civilisations in London from 2013-2017. He is a political scientist and historian with a longstanding interest in South Asia, which he first visited as a student in 1962.
In addition to his leadership role on the faculty, David teaches an introductory course on South Asian History.
Hugh Martin FRSA, Registrar & COO
Hugh graduated BA (Hons) & MA (Hons) from University of Oxford and MLitt from University of St Andrews. His PhD research is in rhetoric/writing. Hugh has worked in university senior management for 25 years, as Registrar and Chief Administrative Officer at The British University in Dubai, University Secretary at University of Bedfordshire, Chief of Staff at LSE, Head of Governance at University of Bristol, and Executive Officer at University of St Andrews. As faculty, Hugh was Associate Lecturer at The Open University for 15 years. Previously he held management positions at W H Smith Ltd including Head of Customer Relations. Hugh is Liveryman of the Worshipful Company of Educators, non-Executive Director of a US/Zimbabwean charity, and was Chair of Council at a UK secondary school. He holds professional accreditations including Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts, Association of Heads of University Administration, CMI Certificate in Strategic Management & Leadership, and Affiliate Member of the Institute of Risk Management. He is a published poet and writer of articles for leading publications including Times Higher Education, Higher Education Digest, and QS. He blogs regularly as AHUA’s international spokesperson. Hugh is a regular panellist at international conferences and is a TED speaker.
Beena Khurana, Dean of Faculty and Academic Affairs
Dr. Khurana considers herself a poster child for international education and espouses that a global conscience (Pico Iyer) underpins ‘the day-to-day practice of international fellowship’.
As an educator she has successfully contributed to three aspects of higher education; teaching, research and administration in various educational institutions in the US (Rutgers University, UC Berkeley, Cornell University, California Institute of Technology, California Polytechnic State University) and UK (Sussex University). She is passionate about students and focuses intensely on creating rewarding and meaningful educational experiences.
In addition to her leadership role on the faculty, Beena teaches an introductory course on psychology.
Naznin Sultana, Director of Finance
Ms. Sultana, Director of Finance of Asian University for Women had started her journey with AUW in 2017. She manages the university’s financial affairs including the internal control management, projects and donor support management, effective fund flow, revenue and budgetary control, ensure compliance and analyzing the information’s for supports the university’s mission, vision, values, and culture.
Ms. Sultana is a qualified Chartered Accountant and a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Bangladesh (ICAB). She did her CA articleship with one of the leading CA firm of the country “KPMG Rahman Rahman Huq”, a member firm of the ‘BIG 4’. She obtained 9th place in the order of merit in obtaining her bachelor’s degree. She is also a certified income tax practitioner (ITP) and a member of Chittagong Taxes Bar Association (CTBA). Besides, she is a social activist, motivational speaker and engaged as an advisor of Mirsarai Education Society. She is the Secretary of Chittagong Regional Committee of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Bangladesh (ICAB).
Over the 15 years of her career, Ms. Sultana worked in diversified areas of accounts, finance, audit, compliance and administration, donor management. Before starting with AUW, she served as the key finance person in the Independent University of Chittagong and in a leading national NGO.
Mehnaz Huda, Deputy Director and Head of HR
Mehnaz Huda joined the Asian University for Women as the Deputy Director and Head of HR in June 2024. Prior to this, Ms. Huda was heading the HR Department of JF (Bangladesh) Limited, formerly known as James Finlay PLC as Manager, Human Resources. She is also a passionate soft skills trainer and holds more than 12 years of experience in numerous sectors such as Real Estate, Technology and Education Sector with core areas of expertise being HR Operations, Training, Talent Acquisition, Employee Engagement, Communications & Strategy. Ms. Huda started off her career as a Student Counselor in East Delta University while she was still pursuing her under graduation and later went on to set up the HR Department as a full-time employee. She has also served as the Assistant Manager & In-Charge of HR Department of Pathao Ltd., a leading tech start up in the country and has also served as a Lifestyle Consultant in Sanmar Group, a leading real-estate conglomerate in the country.
Born and raised in Abu Dhabi, U.A.E, Ms. Huda has exposure to living and prospering in a diversified, multi-cultural environment. She returned to Bangladesh in the year 2009 and went on to pursue her Bachelors and Masters in Business Administration from East Delta University obtaining the highest CGPA.
Ms. Huda is passionate about public speaking and has often represented her organizations in various public platforms. In 2018, she was invited as a key resource person to represent Pathao as an Employer Brand in the annual Career Summit organized by JobmarketBD. She was also invited as a Key Note Speaker in the annual Round Square Conference of Chittagong Grammar School in 2019 where she spoke on the topics of leadership and communication.
Sanaul Karim Chowdhury, Deputy Registrar
Mr. Sanaul Karim Chowdhury is responsible for a series of key administrative functions of the University including Estates, Transport, Administrative Support Services, Student & Community Safety, Security & Protocol, Travel & Transport, External Affairs involving government agencies of foreign missions.
Mr. Chowdhury earned both Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Social Science from University of Dhaka and High School degree from Dhaka College. He also achieved professional graduation on Special Investigation from FBI Quantico Academy, Stafford, VA, USA.
Mr. Chowdhury is a problem-solver and industrious, who can deserve a good result orientation. He is able to work under no supervision. Mr. Chowdhury possesses strong administrative, analytical and critical thinking abilities.
Mr. Chowdhury served in the U.S. Embassy, Dhaka for 21 years as a US State Department Employee, has extensive work experience over 30 years in the area of Administration, Personal Safety & Security. He has background in fraudulent Investigation and Security Management in international organization.
Mr. Chowdhury achieved Best Employee Award – Foreign Service National (FSN) of The Year from US Department of State, among the employees of 243 US Embassies/Missions worldwide in 2005. He trained as a Special Agent and VIP Protective Detail from Diplomatic Security Training Center (DSTC), Virginia, USA.
Tapu Chowdhury, Assistant Registrar
Ms. Tapu Chowdhury, the Assistant Registrar at AUW, joined the university in 2009 as an Administrative Coordinator and has consistently demonstrated her commitment and expertise across various departments. In 2018, she transitioned into the role of Manager for Events and logistics, where her leadership and administrative skills instigated a transformative change in university services, enhancing efficiency and effectiveness. Her initiatives resulted in cost minimization and a significant reduction in wastage, ultimately contributing to heightened levels of student satisfaction. Recognizing her exceptional capabilities, Ms. Chowdhury was promoted to Assistant Registrar in February 2021.
Before her tenure at AUW, Ms. Chowdhury dedicated six years of service to Thai Airways International, where she undertook diverse responsibilities in customer service, ground handling, communications, and operations.
An alumna of Chittagong University, Chattogram, Bangladesh Ms. Chowdhury holds a first degree in Philosophy. She continued her academic pursuits at the same institution, obtaining an MA and completing an M. Phil degree.
In addition to her professional achievements, Ms. Chowdhury has actively engaged in community service, volunteering with the Bangladesh Red Crescent Society since her school years. Currently, she serves as a life member and an elected committee member of the Red Crescent Alumni Association. She is also a committed life member of the Bangladesh Philosophical Society (BPS).
Ms. Chowdhury has broadened her international exposure through various programs and activities participating in the Women’s Leadership in Asia Program at Ehwa University in 2021, and the International Staff Week 2023, MaGIC International Mobility at Universita di Trento.
Suman Chatterjee, Director of Student Recruitment and Acting Dean of Students
Mr. Suman Chatterjee joined Asian University for Women in the year 2017 as the Director – Student Recruitment. He is a Graduate of the University of Delhi and has also completed a Post Graduate Diploma in Business Management.
Prior to joining Asian University for Women, he worked with the Manipal International University in Malaysia. His professional career spans over 2 decades having worked in several leading organizations like the Manipal Education Group in India, Macmillan Publishers, Adecco India among others.
Captain Nusrat Farjana Nazia (retd), Assistant Dean of Students
Capt. Nusrat Farjana Nazia (retd) joined AUW in July 2022. She graduated from the Bangladesh Military Academy and was commissioned to the Corps of Ordnance of Bangladesh Army in June 2013. She worked with LafargeHolcim Bangladesh Ltd., the United Nations, and various Bangladeshi government organizations and corporate houses.
Tunazzina Salam, Head of Academic Registry
Ms. Tunazzina Salam joined Asian University for Women in February 2012. She worked as Faculty Support Coordinator to the Dean of Academic Affairs for several years, she undertook responsibilities for revising and updating academic regulations, policies and procedures, quality and standards, and the academic requirements for the progression and completion of degree programs.
In her current role as Head of Academic Registry, she manages leading registry functions – student academic records and academic administration for Undergraduate course registration, Degree planning, Student enrolment, Academic calendar, oversee graduation formalities (from registration to promotion to graduation), Degree verification, course scheduling and provides support to the Academic Actions Committee, Learning, Teaching & Quality Assurance committee and Academic Council.
She has graduated (BBA) in Marketing and Finance and completed her Post Graduation (MBA) in Marketing from Independent University, Bangladesh.
Aparajita Rahman, Librarian
A creative, engaged academic librarian with 5+ years of experience in circulation and reference services, cataloging, and library management. She has substantial knowledge of acquisitions, preservation, interlibrary loans, library management software, library policies, and services. She has additional experience in information literacy, plagiarism, citation, bibliography, and referencing styles.
She completed her bachelor’s and Masters’ degree from the University of Dhaka from the Information Science and Library Management Department. She started her career as an Assistant Librarian in Delhi Public School (DPS) Dhaka and also worked as an Assistant Librarian in International School Dhaka (ISD). She joined as a Library Officer at Asian University for Women and has been promoted to Librarian.
Her role at the AUW library is to manage, organize, evaluate and disseminate information, providing support to members of the academic community including students, researchers and staff to develop their knowledge and skills in information literacy, develop and manage collections of books, journals (both paper and electronic) and websites, select, acquire and catalog information using the library and information software, create, update and manage electronic and printed information resources, cataloging and classification, resource ordering, library loan, IT systems, open access and e-resources, library projects. Her role also involves supporting faculty members and students to develop the skills needed for effective research. This includes areas such as copyright law, information literacy, literature searching, referencing.
She spends considerable time working with electronic resources, involving library database management, assisting researchers with literature searches using databases, printed resources, and the internet, establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with academic staff and students, as well as external bodies such as suppliers, take on responsibility, in some cases, for archives and other special collections, deal with user inquiries, which may involve one-on-one advice sessions, manage budgets in relation to allocated subject areas/departments and, in some cases, purchase resources, keep up to date with developments in the library sector and participate in professional groups or networks.