Chittagong University (CU) will soon start building its long-awaited Teacher-Student Centre (TSC) and add new buses to its transport fleet, Vice-Chancellor Professor Mohammad Al-Forkan has announced.
Speaking in an interview with TIMES of Bangladesh on Monday, the vice-chancellor confirmed that construction work on the TSC will commence within the next one to one and a half months.
He added that 10 to 13 new buses will be integrated into the university’s transport system within one to two months to ease commuting for students, teachers, and staff.
The interview took place at the vice-chancellor’s office ahead of his six-month milestone in office on 16 September. Reflecting on his tenure, Forkan discussed the initiatives implemented over the past six months and outlined his future vision for the institution.
Academic progress and research focus
Since taking charge, Forkan has prioritised upgrading the academic atmosphere, encouraging teachers and students to focus on classes and research, and developing long-neglected infrastructure.
He stressed that improving research quality and strengthening industry-academia collaboration are essential to elevate the university’s standing in global rankings.
“I had a six-month plan, I have a one-year plan, and I have a four-year plan,” the vice-chancellor said.
He explained that while significant ground was covered in the first six months, the visible effects will take time and should become noticeable as he completes a full year in office.
Highlighting progress, the vice-chancellor noted that the learning and research environment at the university has improved considerably. Several faculty members informed him that teachers who were not previously fully engaged in academic work or research are now actively participating.
To climb global rankings, special emphasis is being placed on quality research, translational research, and output-based research, alongside stronger links with industrial enterprises.
Transport upgrades and workplace culture
On infrastructure, Forkan elaborated that securing 10 to 13 buses will significantly benefit teachers, students, officers, and employees during their daily commute. Meanwhile, functional operations and construction for the TSC project will begin within one to one and a half months.
However, the vice-chancellor pointed out that overall development efforts require time to build momentum. He explained that time is needed to shift officers, staff, and related personnel from a long-standing habit of inactivity into an effective working environment.
Expressing optimism for the future, he said, “I hope, InshaAllah I, we will be successful. We will be able to place Chittagong University on the track of a real trend in academics and research”.
Housing shortage, shuttle train, and Cucsu
Addressing student welfare, Forkan acknowledged that student accommodation remains a long-standing problem, with the university unable to provide housing for even one-third of its students.
Because many students commute daily from the city, discussions have been initiated to add another shuttle train, and a formal letter has already been sent to the Ministry of Railways. He noted that transport facilities are being expanded as an interim measure until full residential accommodation can be arranged.
Regarding the Chittagong University Central Students’ Union (Cucsu), he said the next Cucsu election will be held at an appropriate time after assessing the overall situation and environment.
“I have never considered Cucsu an opponent, but rather always took them as a collaborator, and so far they have cooperated with me,” he said.
