Dhaka: Dhaka University Vice-Chancellor Prof. Niaz Ahmad Khan has announced that 40 percent of the university’s faculties currently meet international academic standards, despite facing significant challenges in research infrastructure. He expressed optimism that with adequate support, the remaining faculties could also achieve global standards.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Prof. Khan made these remarks during a seminar titled ‘Science and Technology Research Partnership for Sustainable Development’, held at the university’s Nabab Nawab Ali Chowdhury Senate Bhaban. He emphasized the strong national and international reputation of the university despite its limitations in providing an ideal research environment.
The seminar also highlighted a new joint research project between Dhaka University and Japan focused on monitoring and purifying water quality in the Dhaka metropolitan area. The initiative, supported by the Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST) and Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), is expected to start soon.
DU Pro-VC (Administration) Prof. Sayema Haque Bidisha and the project’s Principal Investigator (PI) of the Japan side, Prof. Kozo Watanabe from Ehime University, also spoke at the event, which was chaired by Prof. Anwar Hossain of the DU Fisheries department, the Principal Investigator (PI) of the Bangladesh side.
Prof. Khan described Japan as a “trusted friend beyond politics” and noted that the project is expected to have a direct societal impact. He affirmed the university’s commitment to supporting its long-term success and sustainability.
In his address to students, the Vice-Chancellor emphasized the role of universities as social institutions that should contribute to society. He encouraged students to take full advantage of the opportunities provided by the university to prepare themselves to serve the nation.
The five-year project, with a budget of approximately 500 million Japanese yen, will officially run from April 2026 to March 2031, following a probationary period from May 2025 to March 2026. Dhaka University and Ehime University are jointly leading the initiative, with additional support from the Department of Environment (Bangladesh), Shizuoka University, Yamagata University, and other institutions in both countries.