The New Nation - Internet Edition

BSS, Dhaka

The Ministry of Education has approved various development projects of Dhaka University worth about Taka 1.55 billion.

Talking to BSS here yesterday, DU Director of Planning and Development Zahirul Haque said DU got the approval for implementing a series of development projects on March 17.

The ministry has already sent all the projects to the planning commission for final approval and release of money, he said. Of the total amount, Taka 403.9 million will be spent for construction of a 10-storey residential hall for the male students and Taka 292.4 million for completion of a 10-storey twin hall for the female students on the campus.

Zahirul Haque said money to be spent for other approved development projects include Taka 286.2 million for a 12-story residential building for senior teachers and officials, Taka 102 million for constructing 3rd and 4th floors of the Mukarram Hossain Bhaban, Taka 22.8 million for building 2nd, 3rd and 4th floors of an extension building for 128 female students of Rokeya Hall and Taka 118.1 million for constructing another extension building for the Shahnewaz Hostel for 500 students.

Besides, he said, Taka 25 million will be spent for constructing a pre-engineered building for covered gymnasium, Taka 118.8 million for a 5-storey building with 10-storey foundation at TSC, Taka 2 million to buy computers for students, teachers and researchers and Taka 9.5 million to buy a generator as per the approval of the ministry.

The ministry also approved the projects involving Taka 17.5 million for extension of the DU Medical Centre, Taka 2.5 million for an ambulance, Taka 5 million for preparing a master plan of DU campus, Tk 1 rpt One million for miscellaneous expenses and Taka 140.7 million for cost escalation.

Zahirul Haque also said that the planning commission would approve the projects very soon as the Chief Adviser asked the authorities concerned to implement these development works as soon as possible. "These approved projects will be implemented within the next three years," he said.

On the other hand, the DU authorities have already received Taka 67.5 million from the University Grants Commission (UGC) including Taka 25 million for students' food, Taka 12.5 million to buy new vehicles and Taka 30 million for sports and entertainment.

The UGC recently approved two projects of Taka 300 million for equipment and Taka 150 million for repair and renovation works. Both the projects are now at the planning commission for final approval and release of money, Zahirul Haque said.

He said the Dutch-Bangla Bank Ltd recently donated Taka 100 million for constructing a centre of excellence for the Arts and Social Sciences faculties. The Japan government has given Taka 100 million to build another centre of excellence for the Science faculty, he added.

Vice-chancellor of Dhaka University Professor SMA Faiz at a press briefing on the campus yesterday expressed his satisfaction over a series of development works taking place simultaneously on the campus.

"The government as well as the Chief Adviser are always very much sincere with providing help and assistance to the university," he said.