JUST Turns Twenty with Colourful Celebrations
Jashore University of Science and Technology (JUST) celebrated its 20th anniversary with a wide range of vibrant programmes, including colourful path alpana, a festive rally, discussion sessions, cake cutting, a traditional pitha festival, departmental pitha stalls, alpana displays, poster presentations, the inauguration of a July Corner, folk music performances, cultural programmes featuring university students, prize distribution for various competitions, and performances by invited band groups.
The day-long celebrations began at 10:00 am on Sunday, 25 January, in front of the administrative building, where Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr Md Abdul Majid hoisted the national flag, while Regent Board member Professor Dr H. M. Zakir Hossain hoisted the university flag, formally inaugurating the University Day programme. At 10:30 am, a colourful joy procession set off from the main gate of the campus. Following the procession, the Vice-Chancellor inaugurated the programme through a discussion session, balloon release, and cake cutting.
Later, the Vice-Chancellor of JUST, along with Vice-Chancellor of Gopalganj University of Science and Technology (GUST) Professor Dr Hossain Uddin Shekhar and other distinguished guests, inaugurated the July Corner. After the inauguration, the Vice-Chancellor of JUST, accompanied by the guests, visited various departmental pitha festival stalls, path alpana displays, and poster presentation exhibits. The visitors were impressed by the diverse varieties, artistic designs, and seasonal delicacies of the traditional pitha showcased at the stalls.
Speaking as the chief guest at the discussion meeting organised on the occasion of the university’s 20th anniversary, JUST Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr Md Abdul Majid said that although Jashore University of Science and Technology is relatively young in age and size, it has established itself with pride on the global stage. He noted that the university has surpassed many older institutions in the country in education and research, securing a strong position in global university rankings. He highlighted that JUST is equipped with state-of-the-art research laboratories, modern residential facilities, a conducive academic environment for students, and the country’s second-largest gymnasium for sports activities.
To further advance education, research, and sports at the university, he emphasised that land acquisition is essential. He informed that a Development Project Proposal (DPP) has already been submitted to the University Grants Commission (UGC) for land acquisition. Expressing optimism, he said he believes the government will fulfil the university’s land requirements to help transform JUST into a world-class educational institution and centre of research excellence.
The Vice-Chancellor also expressed his gratitude to the students for their tireless efforts day and night in making the University Day celebrations successful through alpana artwork, pitha stalls, pitha preparation, and other creative activities. He said the celebrations reflected the students’ creativity beyond academic research.
The programme was presided over by Dr Md Rafiul Hasan, Director of the Office of Student Counselling and Guidance. Special guest speeches were delivered by GUST Pro-Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr Md Sohel Hasan. Among others present were Regent Board members Professor Dr H. M. Zakir Hossain, Professor Dr Md Omar Faruk, Associate Professor Dr Mosammat Afroza Khatun, Deans’ Committee Convener Dr Md Korban Ali, Dean Professor Dr Md Sirajul Islam, Proctor Professor Dr S. M. Noor Alam, along with deans of various faculties, chairpersons, heads of departments, teachers, students, officers, and staff members. The event was conducted by Md Shahnoor Rahman, Assistant Director of the Office of Student Counselling and Guidance. In the afternoon, a lively cultural programme was held with performances by university students and guest artistes.
Established on 25 January 2007 with the aim of promoting modern knowledge and research through higher education, Jashore University of Science and Technology is located on a 35-acre campus at Sajiali Mouza in Churamonkati Union of Jashore Sadar Upazila. Currently, the university has 27 departments under eight faculties. About 4,231 students are enrolled at undergraduate, postgraduate, MPhil, and PhD levels. The university employs a total of 345 teachers, including professors, associate professors, assistant professors, and lecturers, along with 162 officers of various grades and 344 staff members.
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