Finance and Planning Minister Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury has called for a collective initiative to transform University of Chittagong (CU) into a top international-standard institution. He said the government would extend all possible support to elevate the university into one of the world’s leading centers of higher education.
He made these remarks on Friday while speaking as the chief guest after inaugurating the central temple on the CU campus.
The minister emphasized the need to prevent uncontrolled access of outsiders to the university.
He said, regardless of political or religious identity, outsiders should not be allowed easy access. Everyone must work together to build a healthy campus culture.
Highlighting Bangladesh’s social fabric, Amir Khasru said diversity is the nation’s strength. No society can progress without diversity. We must preserve unity within this diversity.
Addressing the accommodation shortage, the minister said new dormitories could be built once land is allocated. All segments of society to contribute to development efforts instead of relying solely on the government. The government will play a supportive role, but the main initiative must come collectively.
Visiting CU after a long time, he expressed admiration for its natural environment. It feels like entering nature itself, almost like a forest or a resort. Such a vast campus is rare in a country like Bangladesh,” he said.
He also suggested that the university should document its wildlife and bird species.
Addressing the CU Vice-Chancellor, he called for a concrete roadmap to take the university to the “next level.” Take the initiative and I will support fully.
On the national energy situation, the minister acknowledged that challenges exist but described them as part of a global crisis. Fuel prices were increased slightly considering public hardship. Our management has ensured that industries and electricity supply remain uninterrupted.
He also expressed concern over the banking sector, claiming that around $230 billion had been laundered abroad in the past. Banks are nearly depleted, and the stock market remains weak. It will take time to recover, but we are trying our best.
CU Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. Md. Al Forkan presided over the meeting. Among others present were State Minister for Chattogram Hill Tracts Affairs Mir Mohammad Helal, Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister ABM Abdus Sattar, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister Bijon Kanti Sarkar, CU Pro-Vice Chancellor (Academic) Professor Mohammad Shamim Uddin Khan, CU Pro-Vice Chancellor (Administration) Professor Dr. Kamal Uddin and Adul Kanti Chowdhury.
Background of the Central Temple
Sources said that land for the central temple was allocated in 2011 following demands from Hindu teachers, students, and staff. The foundation stone was laid on February 4, 2019, on approximately 20,000 square feet of land.
The temple was fully funded by the Adul-Anita Foundation through personal donations from trustees Adul Kanti Chowdhury and Anita Chowdhury.
Design and engineering support were provided by Astro, while interior work was carried out by The-Ad Communication. The project was supervised by a committee formed with university teachers and officials.
