SAU's location
Www.sau.edu.bd
This refers to M. Zahidul's comments (DS, dt.21 July, 2008) on the above topic opposing the issue of shifting Sher-e- Bangla Agricultural University (SAU) to a countryside or to be merged with the Bangabandhu Agricultural University from this densely located central area of the capital city as proposed by me in an earlier letter to this column. The SAU has been emerging as a new Agricultural University established during 2001 from a previous agricultural college (institute) under academic management of the Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh having only a land area of 85 acres which is certainly very inadequate for such an university. Having a sprawling campus as noted by Prof. Zahidul would be a prohibitively expensive proposition and as the university is in its formative stage, it is the appropriate time to consider its shifting to a new agro-ecological zone in a countryside befitting its nature and type of education. Alternatively, as I proposed, it could also be merged with Bangabandhu Agricultural University which has also been on the way to instituting undergraduate Faculties (formerly IPSA, started with post graduate studies in agriculture) could be better fitted at this stage of opening to integrate the lone Agriculture Faculty of SAU (it is trying to open new Faculties also to justify as its University existence). May I urge, Prof. Zahidul not to direct any personal question at me like my college or university where I serve, I would agree its merging or dismantling. Its not a sort debate of You versus Me. My Institution is not at all comparable to yours! It was established long before and established in a location that perfectly suits the nature and purpose of education it imparts. What my colleagues/ students think 'if at all' about merger or dismantling of their alma-mater, how can I answer to that, that you asked me? What I feel for the interest of SAU, for better agricultural education, and the nation, this should be shifted to a new site.
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