Dhaka University Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. Niaz Ahmed Khan said that the Comprehensive Development Project of Dhaka University is the largest academic initiative in recent times.
This project will be implemented with the taxpayers' money, and we consider it an important gift from the nation to us. We are accountable to the nation, and with that sense of responsibility, we are committed to making the best use of this funding.
The Vice-Chancellor made these remarks at a press conference held on Wednesday at the Professor Abdul Matin Chowdhury Virtual Classroom. The press conference was organized to present the detailed information of Dhaka University’s Comprehensive Development Project worth approximately BDT 2,841 crore.
At the press conference, Dhaka University Treasurer Professor Dr. M. Jahangir Alam Chowdhury presented a summary of the project along with an animated illustration.
Also present were Pro-Vice Chancellor (Administration) Professor Dr. Saima Haque Bidisha, Proctor Associate Professor Saifuddin Ahmed, Acting Registrar Munshi Shams Uddin Ahmed, Director of Accounts Mohammad Saiful Islam, and Acting Director of the Planning and Development Office Mohammad Javed Alam Mridha.
The Vice-Chancellor further stated that the project has primarily been undertaken to enhance academic capacity. Most of the buildings to be constructed under the project will be used for teaching and research. In addition, efforts to transform Dhaka University into a fully residential institution, following the British model, will also become visible through this project.
The Vice-Chancellor informed that the research centers, labs, and other facilities to be constructed under this project will be open to the society. Although these will be operated under the management of Dhaka University, with permission, external teachers, students, and researchers will also be allowed to use them. He added that special initiatives will be taken under the project to enhance greenery and environmental preservation on campus.
He said that several important steps have been taken to ensure transparency and accountability at all stages of project implementation. He urged journalists to provide their suggestions and support in this regard.
Vice-Chancellor Dr. Niaz Ahmed Khan thanked the education adviser, planning adviser, finance division, University Grants Commission (UGC), and everyone associated with the project, saying, "We see this as the beginning of a master plan. We hope that with the implementation of this project, many long-cherished demands of Dhaka University will be fulfilled within the next one to one and a half decades."
At the press conference, Pro-Vice Chancellor (Administration) Professor Dr. Saima Haque Bidisha said, "Today’s press conference is not just a formality, but also an important occasion to express our gratitude. This infrastructural development project has been a long-standing demand and is now on the path to implementation."
She emphasized that just as infrastructure is essential, sustainable funding is equally crucial for research. She called upon alumni to step forward to ensure that teachers and students can conduct research smoothly.
Treasurer Professor Dr. M. Jahangir Alam Chowdhury said that the implementation of the new development project of the university will not reduce the open space on campus; rather, the green space will increase by about 8%. It is an environmentally friendly and well-planned project.
He added, “We may not remain in charge throughout the project’s implementation. But to prevent any misuse of funds, the journalist community must play an important role. Keep your eyes and ears open. Do what needs to be done.”
He requested the journalists to stay actively involved in the process until the project is completed. Continued media monitoring will ensure transparency and accountability in project implementation.
He also informed that his office will organize regular briefings for journalists every six months regarding the progress of this project.
Notable highlights of the five-year project are : Construction of 6 academic buildings, construction of 4 residential halls for 2,600 female students, construction of 5 residential halls for 5,100 male students, housing facilities for house tutors in 5 male and 4 female halls and cnstruction of 2 residential buildings for teachers and officers, construction of 5 additional buildings, including administrative facilities and improvement of drainage system and installation of 256 waste bins for waste management.
