The Planning Ministry has approved, in principle, the construction of the Bangladesh-China Friendship Hall at Dhaka University (DU) for female students to address the accommodation crisis. The project, supported by Tk 2.44 billion in financial assistance from the Chinese government, is expected to provide housing for 1,500 students.
Acting Director of the Public Relations Office Mohammad Rafiqul Islam confirmed the matter on Monday. Additionally, the Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh, Yao Wen, reaffirmed his country's commitment, stating, "This project is a testament to the strong friendship between China and Bangladesh. We are dedicated to ensuring its successful completion."
This initiative is part of a broader effort to tackle the acute housing shortage at DU. Alongside the Friendship Hall, two other large-scale projects are set to begin soon, which aim to significantly enhance 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 reviewed the progress of these projects. The Advisor pledged prompt implementation, recognising the pressing need for improved student accommodation on campus.
To accelerate these developments, Professor Khan has also engaged 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 at the Planning Commission.
Beyond the Friendship Hall, DU has embarked on a significant expansion programme under the Dhaka University Further Development Project. With an estimated budget of Tk 28.41 billion, the initiative includes constructing four additional halls for female students and five for male students, increasing the university's capacity to accommodate approximately 3,000 female and 5,100 male students.
Additionally, Tk 1.51 billion will be invested in renovating, preserving, and upgrading 168 ageing buildings across the DU campus. Many of these structures, some of which hold historical significance, have long been in a state of neglect.
These ambitious projects mark a turning point for DU, where housing has been a persistent challenge for students. With the Bangladesh-China Friendship Hall and other developments on the horizon, the university is poised to offer a more comfortable and supportive environment for academic and student life.
