The New Nation - Internet Edition

Abu Bakr Siddique

To day is Monday, 3rd November, 2008 - the day of Twenty Second Convocation of Islamic University of Technology (IUT), at Board Bazar, Gazipur. Dr, Fakhruddin Ahmed, Honorable Chief Adviser of the Care-taker Government of the People's Republic of Bangladesh will be the chief guest and will award the Diplomas (details given below) to some 223 successful students from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Cameroon, Gambia, Indonsesia, Libya, Maldives, Niger, Nigeria, Pakistan, Palestine, Senegal, Somalia, Uganda and Yemen.

M,Sc in TE -11, PGDTE -02, B.Sc in TE, 2 Years 09, 1 Year 16, Diploma in TE 09, M.Sc in CIT 01, B.Sc in CIT 41, HD in CIT 12, M. Sc in MCE 01, B.Sc in MCE 41, HDME 06, B.Sc in EEE 69, HDEE 05 Total 223

Historically speaking, at initial stage, the University was born as Islamic Centre for Technical Vocational Training & Research (ICTVTR) establish following a proposal in the 8th Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers (ICFM) held in Tripoli, Libya in May 12-14, 1977 and subsequent approval of the proposal in the 9th ICFM held in Dakar in April, 1978 to establish the Centre in Dhaka Bangladesh as a subsidiary organ of the Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC). The then Government of the People's Republic of Bangladesh had given 30 acres of land at Board Bazar, Gazipur- some 30 miles north of Dhaka for the Centre. The foundation stone of the Centre was laid on 27 March, 1981 by H.E Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman in presence of H.E Yasseer Arafat, the then Chairman of PLO, H.E. Mr. Habib Chatty, the then Secretary General of OIC and a host of dignitaries both from home and abroad. Dr. Rafiquddin Ahmad, former Professor of BUET was appointed as the first Director in 1979 and had served the centre successfully till 30th April, 1987. Under his able guidance and untiring efforts, the construction work was completed by 1986 and all other preliminary requirements were fulfilled to commence the first Academic Session (1986-87) with three Department viz, ITS, EEE & MCE Departments. Dr, A.M Patwari, then Vice-Chancellor of BUET had joined the Centre as the next director (later on redesignated as Director General) on 01 May, 1987 and had served the Centre till 30th April, 1999. Under his dynamic leadership, Academic programme and other extra-curricular activities got renewed momentum. On his bold initiative, the centre was upgraded and renamed as Islamic Institute of Technology (IIT) following approval of his proposal for the integrated B.Sc. Engineering Courses by studying one more year for the Higher Diploma holders (3 years' duration) in Engineering on payment basic for the last one year in the 22nd ICFM held at Casablanca, Morocco in 10-11 December, 1994. It was indeed his monumental achievement, leaving only one step forward for the Centre to be University. Dr. M. Anwar Hossain, Professor of MCE Department, IIT became the next Director General on 1 May, 1999 and had served the Institute till 04 January, 2003. He did the final job. On his restles endeavour, the 28th ICFM held at Demco, Mari in 23-27 June, 2001 had declared the Institute as the Islamic University of Technology (JUT). Thus from a modest beginning as ICTVTR in 1981, the Centre had gradually climbed its climax- a long cherished goal as the full fledged University named Islamic University of Technology (JUT) in June, 2001 within a span of only 20 years. A glorious achievement indeed : (i) H.E. Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman had laid the Foundation on 27 March, 1981. (ii) Dr. Rafiquddin Ahmed had built the buildings and fulfilled all the requirements by 1986 to commence the first academic session 1986-87. (iii) Dr. A.M. Patwari had paved the way in December, 1994 to lead the centre to be University (iv) Dr. M. Anwar Hossain had secured the ultimate goal in June, 2001. All deserve special thanks and due recognition for their contribution and achievement.

Prof Dr. M. Fazle Elahi- a dedicated academic personality and Professor of the MCE Department IIT became the next full-fledged Vice-Chancellor of IUT on January 05, 2003 and had served the University till 31 March, 2008. During his tenure, most of his time was consumed to consolidate the academic and research programme and to update the Rules and Regulations as required for the newly upgraded University as per international norm. A new Department named "Civil & Environmental Engineering" was incorporated to begin from the academic session January, 2009. On 01 April, 2008, Prof Dr. Imtiaz Hossain-a dedicated Professor from BUET has joined the IUT as its present Vice-Chancellor. It is expected that under his able guidance, the University will march forward with due pomp and prosperity.

From the academic session beginning from January, 2009, the University will offer the following Courses:

(i) M.Sc. in Technical Education: PGDTE: B.Sc in Technical Education:

Diploma in Technical Education for professional personnel.

(ii) M.Sc &, B.Sc in MCE, EEE, Computer Science & Information Technology (CIT) and Civil & Environment Engineering.

(iii) One year integrated course in B.Sc Engineering for 3 years' Higher Diploma holders in Engineering.

(iv) Higher Diploma in MCE & EEE.

Medium of instruction is in English. In addition to regular courses, Arabic Language, Islamiat, Islamic History and Culture are taught, Some short courses with specialisation in some subject-fields, seminars, workshops etc at national and International levels are held time to time. All the ITS & Higher Diploma Courses are free. The expenses of these courses are subsidised by the contribution of the OIC Member States. Other courses invole fees payable in US Dollars fixed by the authorities at the time of admission. Students are not admitted direct but their applications are chanelled though the Governments of the OIC Member States. In Bangladesh, it is channeled through Ministry of Education. Applications are invited in September and admission is completed by December in every year. Academic session begins from January of the calendar year. Academic programme is given at the beginning of the academic session.

Islamic University of Technology (IUT) is the unique highest seat of learning in Science & Technology in Bangladesh. It stands as a vivid symbol of Islamic solidarity and joint Islamic action of the Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC). It also stands for Muslim unity, brotherhood and fellowship. Students gather here from some 52 OIC Member States in a spirit of mutual understanding and cooperation and exchange their ideas in a cordial international atmosphere. Turkish Architect had designed the structure keeping in mind of inherent tradition of Islamic Art, Architecture and Culture. The main ceremonial entrance gate to the complex- an imposing pointed arched gateway portrays Five Fundaments as a tribute to Islam. The whole complex viz academic and administrative buildings, auditorium, mosque, dormitories, workshop, students center, gymnasium, library, laboratory, cafetaria, staff quarters and even open spacious court and roads is meticulously built of attractive red bricks. Academic and research pragramme are modelled as per international academic norm. Environment is exceptionally congenial for pursuit of higher education and research. Best teachers and scholars in their respective subject fields are recruited. Laboratory and library facilities are unique and so are other extra curricular amenities. It is completely residential University. So no political turmoil, Hartal etc can disrupt the academic programme. Session jot (jam) is an unknown phenomena. Admission, Academic Session, Examinations and even Annual Sports and Convocation are held in due time. Bangladesh is indeed proud to host this international highest seat of learning in its soil.