A ray of hope for PSTU

A front view of Patuakhali Science and Technology University. PHOTO: STAR

With its PSTU Vice-chancellor Prof Dr Wahid-uz-Zaman in the chair, the meeting held at its conference room discussed all the problems faced by the university and adopted a number of important decisions for its development, meeting sources said. The VC is also the Chairman of the Board.

Twelve out of 14 members attended the meeting. Three of the members were selected by Chancellor of the university President Iajuddin Ahmed.

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The university was established on 72 acres of land on the campus of former Patuakhali Agriculture College at Dumki Upazila headquarter, about 15 kilometre from Patuakhali town.

The meeting finalised guidelines for the university's Academic Council and service rules, appointment and promotion of teachers and employees.

The meeting decided that PHD course will be opened in the university, an official said.

The Board also noted that lack of teachers and other facilities is hampering academic activities and approved recruitment of teachers. For about 1200 students, there are only 47 teachers now against 100 posts.

Initially, the university started with only the Agriculture Faculty. The authorities later opened three new departments -- Computer Science, BBA-MBA and Veterinary Science. This was approved by the Board.

The Board also approved a proposal to open another faculty with Marine Fisheries and Inland Fisheries departments. This is under process in the ministry concerned, the meeting was told, according to the sources. The faculty will be set up at Kakata sea beach.

The meeting also discusses accommodation crisis for students, shortage of vehicles and classrooms, the sources added. Of the students, 646 stay at Shaheed Ziaur Rahman Hall and Chand Sultana Hall. The rest stay ourtside the campus.

They said the Project Profile (PP) of the university, submitted to the Education Ministry in January 2003, is yet to be approved by the ECNEC (Executive Committee of the National Economic Council).