Dhaka University inaugurated mega project worth Tk 2,841 crore

Dhaka University (DU) has inaugurated a mega development project worth Tk 2,841 crore. The inauguration ceremony was held on Saturday (January 31) at 3:00 pm at the Nawab Nawab Ali Chowdhury Senate Building of the university. 

During the event, the university administration also showcased its major activities and achievements over the past one and a half years since assuming office in the post–mass uprising period. 

The event was attended by Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. Niaz Ahmed Khan, Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Administration) Professor Dr. Sayema Haque Bidisha, Treasurer Professor Dr. Md. Jahangir Alam Chowdhury, Proctor Associate Professor Saifuddin Ahmed, along with deans of various faculties, provosts of all residential halls, and leaders of DUCSU and hall student unions.

Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. Niaz Ahmed Khan stated that the university administration has accomplished several significant initiatives during the first eighteen months of its tenure. 

These include addressing the student housing crisis and ensuring accommodation for first-year female students, improving the university’s global ranking by 200 positions, establishing a UNESCO Chair for the first time, expanding resources at the central library, introducing measures to prevent sexual harassment and abuse, modernizing the medical center, providing special facilities for students with disabilities, and strengthening campus security. 

He also highlighted the successful organization of the DUCSU election as one of the administration’s major achievements. Emphasizing the importance of regular student representation, he said that DUCSU elections would soon be incorporated into the university’s official calendar. “Whatever progress we have made has been possible due to collective cooperation. 

Dhaka University is a national institution, and the nation must receive its rightful share from it,” he added. At the event, an overview of the five-year mega project—worth BDT 28.41 billion—was presented through a projector. Under the project, a total of 31 multi-storey buildings will be constructed. 

This includes the demolition of old structures and construction of new high-rise buildings for six male student halls and four female student halls. The project also covers the modernization of administrative buildings, the construction of a central mosque in Ottoman architectural style to be transformed into a cultural center, and the renovation of the central library and the DUCSU building.

Responding to a question on the introduction of a teacher evaluation system, the Vice-Chancellor said that the initiative is nearing implementation. DUCSU is actively working on the matter, and a syndicate committee has already been formed to oversee the process.

 Regarding transparency in recruitment, Dr. Khan noted that a full-scale review committee has been established. 

Separate recruitment policies have been formulated for officers and staff, while a distinct policy for faculty recruitment is currently under development. Once implemented, these measures are expected to significantly enhance transparency in the recruitment process.