The New Nation - Internet Edition

Barisal Correspondent

The first public university in Barisal division will start functioning from next month.

The site for the highest seat of learning in this division named 'Shahid Ziaur Rahman University' has been selected at Goriar par along Barisal-Dhaka Highway on the outskirts of Barisal city. Initially it will function in 16 rented rooms for starting classes in six subjects.

The Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) at a recent meeting approved a budget of Tk 65 crore for the university.

The decision to establish a full-fledged public university in Barisal division was first approved by then President Ziaur Rahman in his first cabinet meeting outside the capital at Barisal Circuit House on

November 23,1979.

Earlier, former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia laid the foundation of university at Defulia under Barisal Sadar in September ,2006.

Following the changeover on January,2007 the University Grant Commission cancelled the acquisition of plot at Defulia on the ground of exorbitant cost of land.

The incumbent government finally selected the site of the university at Goriar par on the recommendation of a five-member committee headed by joint secretary of the Planning Ministry.

Many of the local elites and members of the professional groups suggested the establishment of the university at its original site at Defulia.

The Barisal Division Development Council has also submitted a memorandum to the concerned authority opposing its establishment

along the busy highway at Goriar par and demanding its shifting to its original site at Defulia.