Sustainable Steel and Smarter Structures: CUET VC Stresses Eco-Friendly Industrialization
The Vice-Chancellor of Chittagong University of Engineering and Technology (CUET), Professor Dr. Mahmud Abdul Matin Bhuiya, has emphasized that Bangladesh must prioritize sustainable and environmentally responsible industrialization to achieve the status of a developed nation. He stated that industrial growth should be well-planned and environmentally conscious, ensuring the protection of agricultural land, forests, biodiversity, and the surrounding ecosystem.
“To transform Bangladesh into a developed country, we must emphasize industrial development. But that industry must be planned and environmentally friendly,” he said. “No agricultural land should be destroyed for industry. Forests must not be cut down. Biodiversity must not be harmed. The lives of plants and animals cannot be endangered through pollution of soil, water, air, and sound. Industries must use renewable energy, and the products manufactured must also be environmentally friendly.”
He made these remarks on Wednesday, November 5, at the central auditorium of CUET during “MetaForge 1.0,” an event organized to mark MME Day 2025 by the Department of Materials and Metallurgical Engineering (MME).
Special guests included Professor Dr. Kazi Afzalur Rahman, Dean of the Faculty of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, and Md. Iqbal Karim, former Chief Engineer of Bangladesh Power Development Board. The keynote speeches were delivered by Md. Rafiqul Islam, Head Engineer of the Steel Melt Shop at GPH Ispat Ltd., and Engineer Md. Mughniul Hasan, Deputy Manager (QAD) at Abul Khair Steel Melting Ltd.
The program was chaired by Professor Dr. Md. Arafat Rahman, Head of the Department of Materials and Metallurgical Engineering. The welcome address was delivered by Dr. Sajjad Ahmed, Associate Professor and Convener of MME Day 2025. The session was moderated by students Abdullah Sajid Mahmud and Afroza Binte Sarwar from the MME 21 batch. Meghna Group of Industries served as the title sponsor, while Green Board (a sister concern of TK Group) was the co-sponsor.
The primary objective of MetaForge 1.0 was to inspire young students about new directions in materials, manufacturing, and mechanical engineering, while strengthening collaboration among teachers, students, and industry professionals. The day-long event was attended by faculty members, students, and industry representatives. It is expected that the initiative will further enhance ongoing research, innovation, and industry linkage within CUET’s MME Department.
DBTech/IEM/MUIM/OR
