Gopalganj Correspondent 

A memorandum of understanding (MoU) has been signed between Gopalganj University of Science and Technology (GUST) and Greentech Foundation Bangladesh with the aim of opening a new horizon for sustainable development and smart transformation in the country’s higher education sector recently. 

The MoU was signed by Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. Hossain Uddin Shekhar and the foundation’s founder and executive director Lutfor Rahman on behalf of their respective organizations. In this era of global climate change, rapid urbanization, and technological transformation, building sustainable and smart infrastructure in educational institutions is a pressing necessity.

GUST has taken a pioneering step to align itself with this global initiative. In this journey, Greentech Foundation — with its long-standing experience in environment, climate, and sustainable development — will act as a "Facilitating Partner" to the university. Under the MoU, the campus infrastructure, services, and lifestyle will be transformed to meet international standards as a green and smart campus.

A team from Greentech Foundation recently met with the Chairman of the University Grants Commission of Bangladesh to promote sustainable infrastructure and climate-resilient campuses at the university level. The meeting also discussed a national project proposal to implement the “Sustainable Green and Clean Campus” model across all universities to contribute to achieving Bangladesh’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Successful implementation of this pilot project at GUST is expected to serve as a role model for universities across the country.

The goal of the agreement is to transform GUST into a campus that is environmentally friendly, technology-driven, and student-centric. The priority areas in the first phase include waterbody management and fish farming expansion, campus greening and tree plantation, solar power generation facilities, waste management and biogas plants, energy generation from municipal waste, smart vehicle parking and transport systems, formation of student participation-based clubs, smart classrooms and smart ID cards, campus energy audits and efficiency improvements, scholarships and micro-education loans, integrated student service centers, job fairs and internship coordination, and the construction of indoor sports complexes, gyms, and cafés.

Greentech Foundation Bangladesh will lead the project’s technical support, fundraising, partner coordination, and implementation. When necessary, international development partners, CSR stakeholders, and social business organizations will also be involved. Greentech Foundation has already started discussions with the University Grants Commission to ensure the successful implementation of the proposed model and its eventual expansion to all public and private universities in the country. Work is ongoing to develop a comprehensive national project proposal toward this goal.

In this regard, Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. Hossain Uddin Shekhar said, “We want to develop our campus not only as a center for academic excellence but also as a hub for sustainable development and environmental awareness. This partnership will take us a step closer to achieving that goal. This MoU will serve as a model not just for our university but also for other universities in Bangladesh. Through climate-resilient campuses, renewable energy use, and eco-friendly infrastructure, sustainable development in the education sector can be ensured.”

Greentech Foundation Bangladesh Executive Director Lutfor Rahman stated, “This is not just a project; it is a vision for Bangladesh’s future. We want every university in the country to be technology-based, climate-resilient, and environmentally sustainable.”