Dhaka: The Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) has given the green light to a substantial Taka 2,841 crore development project for Dhaka University, set to be carried out over the next five years.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Dhaka University Vice-Chancellor Prof. Niaz Ahmed Khan shared this development during a press conference at the Abdul Matin Chowdhury Virtual Classroom. The project is slated for completion by June 30, 2023, and encompasses a range of infrastructural advancements aimed at bolstering the university’s facilities.
The project plan includes the construction of six academic buildings, four residential halls accommodating 2,600 female students, and five residential halls for male students. Additionally, residential buildings for house tutors of the newly constructed halls, two residential buildings for teachers and officers, and five other structures, including an administrative building, will be established.
Moreover, the project aims to reform four water bodies, enhance campus beautification, repair existing service lines, develop sports grounds, set up public toilets, and improve drainage and waste management systems.
During the press conference, the Vice-Chancellor highlighted that this allocation is the largest in recent times for the university’s overall development. The initiative primarily seeks to augment the university’s academic capacity and transform it into a fully residential institution, akin to the British University model. He expressed gratitude to those who contributed to securing the grants and mentioned that academics and students from other universities will have access to research centers, labs, and other facilities developed under this project.
Pro Vice-Chancellor (Admin) Prof. Sayema Haque Bidisha conveyed her appreciation to the authorities and the nation for sanctioning the project, noting the long-standing demand for such an initiative. She urged alumni to support further development to enhance the quality of research conducted by teachers and students.
DU Treasurer Prof. M Jahangir Alam Chowdhury discussed the project’s environmental plans, emphasizing that it will expand green spaces by eight percent rather than encroach upon open areas. He called on journalists to monitor the project’s implementation closely to ensure transparency, and he assured that the university would publish progress reports every six months.