PABNA, Feb 8: The Vice-Chancellor of Pabna University of Science and Technology (PUST) Professor Dr. S M Abdul-Awal has outlined a comprehensive vision to transform the university into a centre of excellence in education, research, and knowledge creation.
During a meeting with local journalists on Friday morning, he emphasised the university's commitment to not only providing quality education but also fostering the holistic development of students as skilled and ethical individuals.
Dr. Abdul-Awal highlighted that the university is taking measures to change students' mentalities and develop them into skilled graduates; this includes improving infrastructure, enhancing extracurricular activities, and creating a conducive learning environment; a research cell is being established to promote academic and scientific research; the university aims to focus on areas aligned with Pabna's heritage, such as agriculture and animal husbandry; plans are underway to modernise the university's facilities, including the library, medical services, sports environment, and residential halls; and new, up-to-date departments are also being introduced.
The VC further said, efforts are being made to obtain accreditation for departments that currently lack it. Academic and administrative activities are being closely monitored to ensure quality education; teachers, officers, and employees are being trained to create skilled manpower.
Closed academic scholarships have been introduced to support students; the university is working to ensure students can move freely on campus, engage in cultural activities, and participate in various clubs.
These initiatives aim to create a vibrant and inclusive campus environment; and the university is in the process of acquiring additional land to expand its campus and facilities.
Dr. Abdul-Awal acknowledged that the university had previously been controlled by an unscrupulous circle, leading to student unrest and a lack of development over the past 16 years.
He expressed his determination to bring the university back on track and make it an ideal institution that the people of Pabna can be proud of.
The meeting was attended by prominent figures, including Pro-Vice Chancellor Professor Dr. Md. Nazrul Islam, Treasurer Professor Dr. Md. Shamim Ahsan, Proctor Professor Dr. Kamruzzaman Khan, Director of Student Advisory Office Professor Dr. Md. Rashedul Haque, and Registrar Bijon Kumar.
Local journalists including Pabna Press Club President Akhtaruzzaman Akhtar, Editor Zahurul Islam, Rajiur Rahman Rumi, Naresh Madhu, Rumi Khandaker, Abul Kalam Azad, Kalit Talukder, Shamsul Islam, Shahin Islam, Abdul Hamid Khan, Sushanta Sarkar, and Abdullah Al Mamun were present at the meeting.
Dr. Abdul-Awal answered various questions from journalists, reaffirming his commitment to transforming PUST into a leading educational institution.
The Vice-Chancellor expressed hope that these initiatives would bring a new flavour to the university, making it an asset to the region and a source of pride for the people of Pabna. By focusing on education, research, and community engagement, PUST aims to become a model institution in Bangladesh.
