University Grants Commission (UGC) of Bangladesh has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Dhaka University of Engineering and Technology (DUET), Gazipur, to construct a 14-storey residential building aimed at resolving the housing crisis for UGC employees.
According to the press release, the agreement was signed on Thursday at the UGC office in Agargaon.
Under the MoU, DUET’s Consultancy Research and Testing Services (CRTS) will prepare the Project Concept Paper, Detailed Project Proposal (DPP), and architectural and structural designs for the project within the next six months.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, UGC Chairman Prof Dr Mamun Ahmed said ensuring residential facilities for officials and employees is a top priority for the commission. He urged DUET and all relevant stakeholders to work with sincerity, skill, and coordination to ensure the project is completed on time.
The chairman further said the goal is to make the building habitable within the next two years, emphasising that designs must be accurate and completed swiftly to prevent any construction delays.
DUET Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr Mohammad Iqbal expressed his commitment to fulfilling the responsibility entrusted to the university by the UGC. He remarked that as DUET possesses skilled engineers and architects, providing technical assistance to the regulatory body of the country’s higher education sector is part of the university’s duty.
It was informed during the meeting that the construction will be implemented under a G-to-G (Government to Government) method. The building will incorporate environmentally friendly technology, energy-efficient designs, and modern architectural styles.
The event was attended by UGC Members Prof Dr Masuma Habib and Prof Dr Mohammad Ayub Islam, Secretary Dr Md Fakhrul Islam, Director of the Planning and Development Division Mohammad Maksudur Rahman Bhuiyan, and Director of the General Services and Engineering Division Jafar Ahmed Jahangir.
Representing DUET were Pro-VC Prof Dr Md Arefin Kowser, CRTS Chairman Prof Dr Moha. Abu Taieb, Head of the Architecture Department Prof Dr Bayezid Ismail Choudhury, Civil Engineering Prof Dr Md Khasro Miah and Dr Md Kamal Hossain, Director (Transport) Prof Dr Nayeem Md Lutful Huq, and Assistant Prof of Architecture Joardar Hafiz Ullah, alongside other senior officials from both organisations.
Following the signing, the VC Mohammad Iqbal presented a commemorative crest to the UGC Chairman. During the exchange, the VC sought UGC’s continued support for DUET’s educational, research, and infrastructural development, to which the Chairman assured full cooperation for the university’s overall progress.
