Mymensingh: Two new institutes, the Institute of Biotechnology and the Institute of Environmental Science and Disaster Management, have officially launched at Bangladesh Agricultural University (BAU). Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. AK Fazlul Haque Bhuiyan announced the inauguration of the institutes in a ceremony attended by key university officials.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the inauguration was attended by the Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture, Professor Dr. M. Mujibur Rahman; the Dean of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Professor Dr. Md. Bahanur Rahman; Director of the Institute of Biotechnology, Professor Dr. Md. Shahidul Haque; and Director of the Institute of Environmental Science and Disaster Management, Professor Dr. Md. Abdul Baten, among others. The two institutes were formerly departments under the Faculty of Agriculture, and their elevation to independent institutes comes after longstanding demands for autonomy.
The university administration approved the transition in the last syndicate meeting, with the institutes commencing formal activities at today’s event. The directors of the institutes announced that undergraduate admissions would begin in the next academic year.
BAU Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. AK Fazlul Haque Bhuiyan highlighted that the institutes had been awaiting approval for more than 20 years. He expressed optimism about their potential contributions to research and education, aligning with global advancements.
Professor Dr. Md. Shahidul Haque, Director of the Institute of Biotechnology, stated that they would initially enroll 25 to 30 students in the undergraduate program. He emphasized biotechnology’s significance in agriculture and medical science and its potential for food security and agricultural development. Efforts are underway to coordinate with various universities in the country to finalize a modern curriculum.
Professor Dr. Md. Abdul Baten, Director of the Institute of Environmental Science and Disaster Management, shared that they are developing a comprehensive four-year curriculum incorporating disaster management and environmental studies. A four-member curriculum committee has been formed to analyze international models for this purpose.