University News

PUST started its initial activities in January 2001, achieved affiliation from the ministry of education in December 2002 and the vice-chancellor of the university was appointed on approval of the President of the People's Republic of Bangladesh and the Chancellor of the Universities in January 2003 for a term of 4 (four) years. The academic activities started in May 2003 in a village Thengamara with five ICT related subjects under two faculties. The main objective of the university is to allow the benefits of technology to reach the common people, particularly people of the northern region, through technology teaching and its applications.

In order to spread the benefit to the highest number of people at the minimum cost, the existing universities in the capital city can be relocated. They may be reshaped and redesigned to fulfil the purpose to the fullest extent. If the Dhaka-based universities are shifted to the district level towns, a greater number of people will be benefited. If the universities are properly organised and managed, they can earn foreign currencies as well as prestige for the country through enrolment of foreign students. Foreign currencies like dollar, pound, euro, yen etc can be earned in various ways, but I think the most prestigious way is through offering knowledge-based higher education and research. If we want to modify our existing universities into world class ones, the best global talents should be involved in teaching and sharing their knowledge. As a result, world class citizens will emerge.

Pundra University of Science and Technology (PUST) can be the "Pathfinder or the Role Model" for others who would like to serve the country through establishing universities in rural areas. There is a lot to learn from the experience of PUST. The lessons would be of benefit not only to Bangladesh but to other developing countries as well.
Campus Office: Gokul, Bogra, Phone: 051-73563, 73975 Fax: 051-73563