Mehedi Hasan, Jamalpur
Bangamata Sheikh Fajilatunnesa Mujib Science & Technology University (BSFMSTU) will be a hundred percent research-based university. Giving priority on science and technology, agriculture and others subjects will be researched here. Vice Chancellor of BSFMSTU Professor Dr Syed Samsuddin Ahmed came up with the assurance during an exclusive interview with Bangladesh Post recently.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina laid the foundation stone of Bangamata Sheikh Fajilatunnesa Mujib Science & Technology (BSFMSTU) during her visit to Mymensingh in 2018. President Abdul Hamid and Chancellor of the university appointed eminent educationist Professor Dr Syed Samsuddin Ahmed as the first and founding Vice Chancellor of BSFMSTU' on November 14, 2018. Prior to joining the BSFMSTU, Dr Syed Samsuddin worked as the Chairman of Department of Geology and Mining at Rajshahi University (RU).
Situated in Melandaha Upazila of Jamalpur, BSFMSTU is the newest university of the country. In first academic session of this university (2018-19), some 133 students took admission, enrolling themselves in four subjects under four faculties of the university. The departments are- Mathematics under the Faculty of Science, Management under the faculty of Business Administration, Social Work under the Faculty of Social Science and Computer Science and Engineering under the Faculty of Engineering.
In an exclusive interview with Bangladesh Post, BSFMSTU Vice-chancellor Professor Dr Syed Samsuddin Ahmed talked elaborately on different aspects of the newest university. Here are some excerpts from the interview. Bangladesh Post: Share about the development works that are going on in the campus?
Dr Samsuddin: Paperwork for building our main campus has begun. Works on constructing our academic building for students, residential halls, Shahid Minar and accommodation for teachers, officers and employees will start soon.
BP: You are the founding VC of this university. Which works are you doing on priority basis?
Dr Samsuddin: We want to keep the educational activities going on along with the infrastructural development. At the beginning, registrar building, academic building and housing are important tasks.
BP: What is the biggest challenge for the university right now?
Dr Samsuddin: Our main challenge is to start academic activities on the permanent campus as soon as possible. Recruiting skilled manpower is also a challenge which we are trying to address.
BP: What are the progresses of the campus in last one year?
Dr Samsuddin: We succeeded to complete the first semester examination in due time. And first semester result is very good. A student of the CSE Department has got CGPA 4.00 out of 4.00.
BP: As a science and technology university, BSFMSTU has started its journey with four departments. In which department will you give priority?
Dr Samsuddin: As our university is science and technology-based, we would like to give priority to subjects based on science and technology. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has given us a concept of 'Digital Bangladesh' and we are working to implement it. Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering (EEE) started this year. By 2021, many new departments will be added.
BP: The academic activities of the university are now going on at Bangabandhu Ideal School and College in Jamalpur Sadar. When do you expect to shift to the main campus in Malandah Upazila at Jamalpur?
Dr Samsuddin: We have already formulated our master plan and DPP of university has been completed. Now we are waiting for ECNEC meeting to approve our project.
BP: The main purpose of university is to disseminate knowledge. Which areas will get more focus for research?
Dr Samsuddin: It will be a hundred percent research based university. Giving priority on science and technology, agriculture and others subjects will be researched here.
BP: Do you have any plan to make monument or sculpture of famed personalities at the university?
Dr Samsuddin: Of course, the university will carry on the history of the War of Liberation assimilating the tradition. The university has been set up honoring Bangamata Sheikh Fozilatunnesa, the wife of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. In near future, a Bangabandhu monument and sculptures of other famous personswill be erected on the campus.
BP: We know that a good number of foreign students have got themselves admitted to many Bangladeshi Universities. What is your initiative to have foreign students to study at this university?
Prof Dr Samsuddin: In order to attract foreign students, a good academic atmosphere will be ensured. There will be a foreign quota. Moreover, guest teachers will be brought from outside the country.
BP: Will this year's admission test have the same number distribution as before? What is about the opportunity of second time exam?
Dr Samsuddin: The admission test will be taken in MCQ method. This year admission test will be held at Govt Mohammadpur Model School and College and Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University in Dhaka.
BP: What is about the opportunity of second time exam? Will the MCQ and written test be held together?
Dr Samsuddin: Yes. This year for the first time, 30 students will be admittedto in EEE.
BP: What is your advice for fresh students?
Dr Samsuddin: I congratulate all students of the university. I advise them to study their textbooks.
BP: Thanks for giving your valuable time.
Dr Samsuddin: I read The Bangladesh Post. I wish you and The Bangladesh post all the success.
