Chittagong University (CU) has launched an upgraded, hassle-free online banking system, allowing students to pay all academic fees conveniently from home.
The decision was finalised at a meeting held on Monday morning at the Registrar’s Office, attended by university administration officials, CUCSU leaders and representatives of Sonali Bank.
CUCSU Executive Member Sohanur Rahman confirmed the decision around 2pm. He said that students will no longer need to stand in long queues, waste time or face administrative hassles. There will no longer be any requirement to submit hard copies of payment receipts to the Controller of Accounts office after completing transactions online.
He added that although an agreement to introduce online banking was signed with Sonali Bank in November 2024, students continued to face complications. Even after completing payments online, they were required to physically submit payment documents, discouraging many from using the system.
Addressing the issue, CUCSU took renewed initiatives and held multiple rounds of discussions with the bank and relevant university departments. Although the Controller of Accounts office was initially reluctant, a consensus was eventually reached through a meeting facilitated by the Registrar.
Under the new arrangement, all payment-related formalities will be handled internally by the Controller of Accounts office once students complete their transactions online, effectively eliminating previous complications.
CUCSU Office Secretary Abdullah Al Noman said that introducing a fully functional online payment system was one of their key electoral pledges. He added that efforts are also underway to bring more university services under automation.
Acting Registrar Mohammad Saiful Islam said that students had long demanded the opportunity to pay all fees, including those for admission tests, through online platforms. “This decision fulfills that demand,” he noted.
The Chittagong University administration signed an agreement with Sonali Bank on 6 November 2024, to launch online banking services.
However, the requirement to submit payment receipts had limited its effectiveness. The latest decision has now resolved that issue, ensuring a smoother and more efficient payment process for students.
