RAJSHAHI: The government has announced the disbursement of Taka 35.44 crore as compensation to 30 individuals whose lands were acquired for a range of development projects in Rajshahi. These projects prominently include the construction and expansion of Rajshahi Medical University (RMU). According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the compensation cheques were handed out in a formal ceremony at the Deputy Commissioner's (DC) conference hall on Sunday. The event saw the participation of DC Afia Akhter, who was joined by Additional DC Zobayer Hossain and Land Acquisition Officer Mithila Das, as they distributed the cheques among the landowners. Afia Akhter highlighted that a total of 67.68 acres in the Borobangram, Shilinda, and Baroipara areas have been earmarked for the RMU project. This initiative will eventually benefit 563 landowners, with compensation reaching approximately Taka 758.81 crore. The ambitious project aims to establish a 1,200-bed hospital, which will significantly enhance healthcare services and expand medical education and research in the northwest and southern regions of Bangladesh. The RMU campus will feature an array of facilities, including academic and administrative buildings, a mosque, a school, a daycare center, a central library, a VC's lounge, dormitories, and a medical gas plant. Additionally, plans are in place to construct a nursing institute to bolster the supply of skilled nursing professionals. The medical university has already made substantial strides in enhancing medical education in the region. It is preparing to offer educational opportunities to approximately 780 graduate and post-graduate students across 68 departments within 10 faculties. The successful implementation of these projects is also expected to create employment for around 5,000 individuals in the medical and nursing sectors. Furthermore, the improved infrastructure and facilities at RMU will potentially benefit two crore people in the northwest region of the country, providing them with enhanced medical and healthcare services.
