In a significant move to ease the accommodation crisis at Dhaka University (DU), the Planning Ministry has approved in principle the construction of the Bangladesh-China Friendship Hall for female students. The project, to be developed with Tk 2.44 billion in financial assistance from the Chinese government, is set to provide housing for 1,500 students.
The information was confirmed on Monday, March 17, by Mohammad Rafiqul Islam, Acting Director of the Public Relations Office at Dhaka University.
Additionally, Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh, Mr Yao Wen, reaffirmed his country’s support, stating, “This project is a testament to the strong friendship between China and Bangladesh. We are dedicated to ensuring its successful completion.”
The approval of this project is part of a broader effort to address the acute housing shortage at DU. Alongside the Friendship Hall, two other large-scale projects are expected to commence soon, significantly improving living conditions for both male and female students.
During a recent meeting with Planning Ministry Advisor Professor Dr Wahiduddin Mahmud, DU Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr Niaz Ahmad Khan discussed the progress of these projects. The Advisor assured swift implementation, recognising the urgent need for better accommodation facilities on campus.
To further expedite these initiatives, Professor Khan has also held discussions with key government officials, including Shahriar Kader Siddiqui, Secretary of the Economic Relations Division (ERD), and Dr. Kaiyum Ara Begum, Secretary of the Socio-Economic Infrastructure Division of the Planning Commission.
Beyond the Friendship Hall, DU is embarking on a major development plan under the Dhaka University Further Development Project, with an estimated cost of Tk 28.41 billion. This initiative includes the construction of four additional halls for female students and five for male students, expanding the university’s accommodation capacity to house approximately 3,000 female and 5,100 male students.
Furthermore, a Tk 1.51 billion project is set to renovate, preserve, and enhance 168 ageing buildings across the DU campus. Many of these structures, some of which are historically significant, have long been in a state of disrepair.
These projects mark a turning point for DU, where accommodation has been a persistent challenge for students. With the Bangladesh-China Friendship Hall and other developments in the pipeline, the university is set to offer a more comfortable and conducive environment for academic and student life.
As implementation gains momentum, stakeholders remain optimistic about the university’s transformation. “We are committed to creating better living conditions for our students, and these projects are a step in the right direction,” said Professor Khan.
The coming years will determine the pace and effectiveness of these initiatives, but with firm commitments from both local and international partners, DU students can look forward to a brighter future.
NRE/ST
