Gazipur: The government has launched a substantial initiative to enhance higher education and research in agriculture by improving infrastructures at Gazipur Agricultural University through a Taka 567.29 crore project. The 'Infrastructures Development of Gazipur Agricultural University' project received approval from the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) in its meeting yesterday.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the project, proposed by the Secondary and Higher Education Division of the Ministry of Education, will be entirely funded by the Government of Bangladesh (GoB). Located in Gazipur City Corporation within Gazipur District, a burgeoning education and industrial hub in Dhaka Division, the initiative aims to elevate the university's international standing, attract foreign students, and boost Bangladesh's reputation in agricultural education and research.
A Planning Commission official stated that the project aligns with the long-term vision of improving agricultural productivity, developing skilled manpower, and raising the overall standard of agricultural education in Bangladesh. The implementation period is set from October 2025 to September 2028, or three years from the date of ECNEC approval, whichever is later. The University Grants Commission (UGC) and Gazipur Agricultural University will jointly oversee the project's execution.
The project aims to significantly enhance the quality of agricultural higher education and provide facilities ready for international accreditation. It will introduce upgraded academic standards, advanced laboratories, and modern research environments catering to both graduate and postgraduate students. The official also highlighted that the project will help create a skilled workforce essential for the modern agricultural economy, reducing dependency on foreign technical expertise.
Major construction activities include erecting two large-scale academic buildings, each with 10-storey structures for the Faculty of Forestry and Environment and the Faculty of Agricultural and Bio-resource Engineering. Additionally, the Faculty of Agricultural Economics and Rural Development building will expand vertically from the 5th to the 10th floor to meet growing academic demands. The project also proposes constructing a modern sports complex, internal road networks, and a boundary wall to foster a safer and more organized campus environment.
The project will procure essential laboratory equipment and office instruments to support teaching, research, and laboratory-based learning. This will bolster the university's capacity for advanced research in areas like climate-smart agriculture, soil management, agribusiness, biotechnology, and sustainable farming practices. Furthermore, furniture will be acquired for classrooms, dormitories, international complexes, and research labs to ensure modern educational facilities.
The Planning Commission official emphasized that student-centric infrastructure developments, including upgraded classrooms, multipurpose galleries, and research laboratories, will significantly improve the quality of academic services. Additionally, the proposal includes vehicle procurement to facilitate study tours, field visits, and practical exposure at major agricultural and rural development research institutions, providing students with hands-on experience and broader insights.
The Commission noted that the project's expected impact transcends academic development. By enhancing agricultural research capacity, the university will contribute more effectively to national policies and innovations in the agricultural sector. This aligns with the government's strategic objectives of ensuring food security, improving rural livelihoods, and promoting sustainable agricultural practices.
A feasibility study conducted by Sheltech Consultants (Pvt) Ltd, in line with guidelines issued in June 2022 for public sector project formulation and approval, validated the technical soundness, economic justification, and long-term viability of this initiative.