Md Zahangir Alam. Photo: Collected
Atish Dipankar University of Science and Technology is playing a role in meeting the challenges of the 21st century. There is a skill development centre along with a job placement centre. In short, students here are trained to face the challenges of the fourth industrial revolution. Md Zahangir Alam, the vice-chancellor of the university, spoke to The Daily Messenger about various aspects of the educational institute.
TDM: You have been involved in teaching since the beginning of your career. You have a long teaching career. How has the whole journey been?
Zahangir Alam: I joined Atish Dipankar University of Science and Technology as the vice-chancellor in 2022. Before joining here, I served as a professor of applied chemistry and chemical engineering at the Dhaka University with good reputation and efficiency. Besides, I worked as a researcher at various national and international organisations, a distinguished teacher, a writer, and a policymaker in educational institutions. I also worked as a selection committee member and a syndicate member at various public and private universities.
TDM: It has been more than two years since you started working as the vice-chancellor. What kind of change did you initiate in this period?
Zahangir Alam: Atish Dipankar University of Science and Technology is one of the oldest private universities. It was established in 2004. I joined here and tried to introduce quality education system. In addition to teaching, teachers have been involved in research. In addition to teaching, we try to instill humanitarian values in students. I have established many clubs in the university to this end.
TDM: Tell us more about your university.
Zahangir Alam: Atish Dipankar University of Science and Technology is working to take higher education to the global stage through modern teaching, research, creative thinking, and digitisation. The university is also building a developed nation by utilising human resources to face the challenges of the 21st century. The permanent campus of is located in Uttara, the heart of the capital. Happily, the university has obtained a permanent campus certificate from the Ministry of Education and the UGC. There is a good communication system between Dhaka and Uttara. The metro rail station is very close to the university. There are spacious playgrounds and all kinds of indoor sports facilities. The campus-adjacent lake adds to the beauty to a great extent. It has state-of-the-art lab facilities. Since its establishment in 2004, the university has been moving forward with the conviction to meet the challenges of the 21st century and play a role in the education sector of the country.
TDM: What kind of support does the university provide to help students enter the workplace after studies?
Zahangir Alam: We are currently living in the era of the fourth industrial revolution. Our university is committed to meeting this challenge. Currently, students from neighbouring countries, such as Nepal, Bhutan, the Maldives, India, and Turkey, come to Bangladesh for higher education. Another thing is that all private universities conduct academic activities on a semester basis. Because of this, a student can graduate on time and enter the workforce at a young age. Our university is moving ahead with the aim of providing world-class education in the country with the firm conviction of creating a bright future for the children of middle class and lower-middle class families. Our institution boasts 20 years of success. It offers up to 100 per cent scholarship based on results in the secondary and higher secondary or equivalent examinations. Scholarships are given in various categories, including a 5 per cent special scholarship to encourage girls to pursue higher education.
TDM: Youngsters are mostly studying technology at private universities. Are they able to get their desired jobs after obtaining their degrees? If not, what should they do?
Zahangir Alam: Our classrooms are equipped with multimedia projectors. High-speed internet connection is available for students and teachers to connect to the “global Village.” Debating club, robotics club, computer club, social club, and career club have been formed to engage students in various platforms. Besides, regular sports are also organised. There is a skill development centre along with a job placement centre. In short, students are trained to face the challenges of the fourth industrial revolution.
TDM: Every year, students from our country go abroad for higher education. What is the reason for this?
Zahangir Alam: It is not bad if students go abroad for higher studies. There are less opportunities for higher studies in our country. But we have to make sure that the students get a good working environment when they come back home after finishing their studies.
TDM: The standard of education in many countries of the world is far ahead of ours. How much do you think we have accomplished in 2024?
Zahangir Alam: The education system of our country is much better than before. Earlier, we were dependent only on public schools. Now many private universities of the country are doing very well. I hope it will be better in the future.
TDM: What are your future expectations for the university?
Zahangir Alam: We have progressed a lot. I joined here and said I want to see it among the top 10 private universities in Bangladesh. I am working on that goal.
Messenger/Disha
