SUST Students Slam Symbolic Gate and Soaked Stops

At Shahjalal University of Science and Technology (SUST) in Sylhet, the newly built main entrance gate has become the center of heated campus discussions amid allegations that it fails to represent the university’s identity. Students claim the gate lacks a visible nameplate and proper lighting, making it unrecognizable — even at night. Despite its modern design, poor drainage has turned the area in front of the gate into what many describe as “a mini pond.”

As a result, some students have sarcastically remarked that “this is not a university gate, but rather an entrance to an industrial factory.”

At the same time, the university — home to around 10,000 students — has no proper bus stop or passenger shed for daily commuters. Students are forced to board and disembark from buses under the scorching sun or in the pouring rain, facing severe discomfort during extreme weather.

Arefat Islam Sajib, a student of the Department of Chemistry, said, “Since the old passenger shed was demolished during the construction of the new gate, students have been facing great inconvenience while waiting for buses. We have to stand under the blazing sun or in the rain. The small shed at the roundabout can barely accommodate 50 people, so we urge the administration to build a larger and more suitable one as soon as possible.”

The old main gate, bearing a prominent inscription of “Shahjalal University of Science and Technology,” was demolished on June 25, 2023. The current gate, constructed thereafter, has drawn mixed reactions. Many students argue that the new design does not resemble a university gate.

Nadir Ahmed, a student of the Department of Social Work, said, “The main gate looks like nothing more than a standing pillar. For students, the gate is the first symbol of pride and belonging. New students often take photos under the university’s nameplate to mark their entry into campus life. But now, the name is written only on one side — invisible to anyone approaching from the other direction. For a 320-acre green campus like ours, this gate is simply not fitting. I hope the administration will renovate it soon.”

Similarly, Kofil Ahmed from the Department of Sociology commented, “Although the university’s name is written in small letters on a wall beside the gate, it is hardly visible at night since there are no lights.”

Another student added, “What more can we say about the administration? A university’s beauty is reflected in its entrance. Yet here stands a nameless pillar, surrounded by water whenever it rains — it feels like a swamp, not a road. It seems no one really cares about maintaining the campus.”

The university administration could not be reached for comment regarding the matter.