The country’s first ever research oriented digital university will be established in Gazipur as part of the present government’s vow to building a ‘Digital Bangladesh’ by 2021.The Education Ministry has already finalised the draft law relating to setting up of this specialised university. Once the cabinet approves the draft, the ministry will start construction of its infrastructure, sources said.Additional Secretary of the ministry Salahuddin Akbar said that the draft bill might be placed before the next cabinet meeting. “This will be an institute of postgraduate level studies and research. However, graduate level studies might also be offered, if needed,” he said. The university will impart education in science, engineering and technology, information and communication technology and conduct research on theoretical and practical issues.Apart from that, there will be studies and research on digital technology, biotechnology, digital management, digital development and advanced technology.According to the draft, the postgraduate students as well as researchers will get accommodation, scholarships and allowances.Those Bangladeshis who are now teaching in foreign universities might be encouraged to return to teach and research in this university.The management, direction and functioning of the university will be hi-tech in the true sense, added the sources.An attractive pay structure will be created for the vice chancellor (VC), pro- vice chancellor, teachers and researchers to draw local and foreign teachers and researchers to this specialised university, says the draft.A five-member search committee will send a proposed panel of VC naming three academics to the president. The president will appoint one of the three as VC for four years.The process of termination or removal of VC of this university will be different from that of the chairman of the University Grants Commission (UGC).As per the law, the lowest rank of the university teachers will be an assistant professor who must have a PhD or an equivalent degree. “This will be a multidisciplinary and research and technology-based institute of international standard.”Research works will contribute to boost local production and help solve various problems related to national economy, industry and other productive processes.The university will communicate with foreign institutes for studies and research and its library will offer all facilities through latest technology.An advisory committee headed by UGC chairman will work to turn the university into an international institute.Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina pledged to build this digital university during her visit to Gazipur on February 24, 2010.The UGC was assigned to formulate a draft law to establish this university on March 31, 2010.The draft law proposed to name the specialised university as ‘Digital University’ but several academics have opposed it.An education ministry official, seeking anonymity, said Prof Jamilur Reza Chowdhury and others opposed the name at the May 15 meeting on finalising the draft law.Prof Chowdhury proposed the name as ‘University of Advanced Technology’, the official said.Some other academics proposed the name as ‘Bangladesh Digital University of Advanced Technology’.UGC Chairman Professor AK Azad Chowdhury told The New Nation yesterday that they recommended the education ministry to take initiatives to establish a digital university in the country. The ministry has already taken all the preparation in this regard. “We expect that the proposed university will be established within a short period. It is now in the final stage,” said Prof Azad.
