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Mega plan to refurbish DU campus


Published : 15 Feb 2021 09:13 PM | Updated : 16 Feb 2021 02:34 PM

Dhaka University authorities have prepared a 15-year master plan worth Tk 10,000 crore to furnish the country’s oldest and unsurpassed higher educational institute’s campus with the state-of-the-art facilities.

The mega plan includes constructing of new academic and administrative buildings, modern medical centre, decoration of campus with greenery, modern library campus, separate playground for female students, renovation of 23 residential buildings, modern registrar office and dedicated bicycle lane. The Dhaka University authorities will submit the plan to the authorities concerned of the government soon. will be implemented in three phases.    

Prof Md Akteruzzaman, vice-chancellor of Dhaka University told Bangladesh post, “We have taken lots of measures to reach our goal of transforming the university into an academic institution of excellence, and the Master Plan is one of them. Research is an ongoing process. We are continuing our ongoing research work and we have planned some new research projects also. We have been working to establish cooperation and relations with renowned international institutions. If the work goes on according to our plan, the quality of both the academic and the nonacademic activities will improve remarkably.”

The Dhaka University Central Library has 300,000 books and 40,000 journals. It also has some historical rare books and documents. Because of seat scarcity, only 2% of total students and teachers can use this library. Most of the time the library remains occupied by BCS and other job seekers. Now, the authorities have planned to build a ten storied building with modern facilities.

Only 45 percent of the students can live now in residential halls of the university. More than 80 percent of the students will get accommodation in residential halls if the new master plan is implemented. All dorms will be renovated and new dorms will be constructed. Shah Nawaz Hall will also be renamed Jai Bangla Hall after renovation.

Dhaka University will be the first solar-powered educational institution in the country following implementation of the new plan. The university plans to use 100 percent solar power without being dependent on grid electricity. 

A separate playground will be built for women beside Rokeya Hall with gymnasium and swimming pool facilities. Besides, a separate cycle lane will be constructed for cyclists to reduce traffic congestion and make the university eco-friendly. Rainwater harvesting systems will be installed in all buildings of the university. The register building will upgrade with modern facilities. 

At present, students get only first aid at the university's medical center. Under the new scheme, the university administration will make a medical centre with modern healthcare facilities through the appointment of specialised doctors.

At present, the university has 13 faculties, 80 departments, 12 institutes, 20 residential halls, 3 hostels, 56 research centre, 37,018 students and 1992 teachers.