DU Correspondent  

The Vice Chancellor of Dhaka University, Professor Dr. Niaz Ahmed Khan, said that universities must operate with a national responsibility and duty.

 Despite many limitations, Dhaka University has maintained a strong position in education and research, both domestically and internationally. "We have 40 percent international standard teachers. Although we are unable to provide a conducive environment for research, if we get the necessary support, the rest will also be able to develop to international standards," he said.

He made these comments as the chief guest at a seminar titled ‘Science and Technology Research Partnership for Sustainable Development’ held on Tuesday  in the conference room of Nawab Nawab Ali Chowdhury Senate Building at Dhaka University. 

The seminar was organized in connection with an upcoming project, funded by the Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST) and Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), focusing on water quality monitoring and purification technology in the Dhaka Metropolitan area.

The seminar also featured Professor Dr. Saima Hossain Bidisha, Pro-Vice Chancellor (Administration) of Dhaka University, as a special guest. The seminar was chaired by Professor Dr. Anwar Hossain, Head of the Department of Fisheries Science and Principal Investigator (PI) of the project from Bangladesh. Dr. Kozo Ohtanabi, Professor and PI of the Japan section of the project from Ehime University in Japan, was also a speaker.

Vice Chancellor Professor Dr. Niaz Ahmed Khan further stated, "Japan is our tested friend. This friendship is above politics. This project will directly impact society and benefit people. We want to make this project long-term and sustainable. Dhaka University is ready to provide all kinds of support."

Addressing the students, the Vice Chancellor said, "At the end of the day, universities are social institutions. We must work for our society. We need to shape ourselves for the country and society now. There are many opportunities available at the university that should be utilized."