DUET Vows Research-Led Excellence

The Dhaka University of Engineering and Technology (DUET) will place research and innovation at the centre of its development strategy to become Bangladesh’s leading engineering and technology university, Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr Engineer Mohammad Iqbal said.

He made the commitment while addressing the main ceremony of ‘DUET Day-2026’ on Tuesday (September 1), marking the university’s 23rd anniversary. This year’s theme was “United by the Bond of Unity.”

The Vice-Chancellor said DUET, the country’s only public university dedicated to higher education for diploma engineers, has played an important role in advancing academic excellence and research over the past two decades.

“Building DUET into a self-reliant, research- and innovation-driven educational institution through timely and sustainable development is now our primary goal,” he said.

He added, “Our main commitment is to transform DUET into the country’s finest engineering and technology university and to develop every student into an exceptional individual in knowledge, skills and humanity on the global stage.”

The day-long anniversary programme began with the hoisting of the national and university flags, followed by a balloon release, release of pigeons and cake cutting by the Vice-Chancellor.

A colourful rally, led by the Vice-Chancellor, then paraded through the campus. A tree-planting programme was held after the rally.

A ceremony honouring teachers and meritorious students was subsequently held at the university’s Shaheed Shakil Parvez Auditorium. Teachers were presented with the Academic Excellence Award-2026 in recognition of outstanding research, while meritorious students received the Dean’s Award.

Highlighting DUET’s history, Professor Iqbal said the institution began its journey in 1980 as the College of Engineering, Dhaka. It was transformed into Dhaka Engineering College in 1981 and later into Bangladesh Institute of Technology (BIT), Dhaka, in 1986.

Following a prolonged movement and demands for university status, the National Parliament passed an Act on September 1, 2003, establishing the institution as a full-fledged university under the name Dhaka University of Engineering and Technology, Gazipur.

The Vice-Chancellor said DUET graduates are making significant contributions to the country’s development.

“DUET engineers are demonstrating their skills across major areas of national development, including the nuclear power plant, Padma Bridge, metro rail, elevated expressway, electricity and energy, and information technology,” he said.

He added that DUET graduates are also earning recognition for Bangladesh abroad through their talent and professional competence.

Referring to rapid technological transformation, Professor Iqbal said the world is moving towards the fifth industrial revolution after passing through the fourth industrial revolution.

He highlighted the rapid advancement of technologies such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, robotics, the Internet of Things, big data, nanotechnology and renewable energy.

At the same time, he stressed the need to prepare students to address emerging challenges, including climate change, shortages of skilled human resources, technological inequality and cybersecurity.

“Modernising engineering education and developing problem-solving skills and a global perspective among students are DUET’s top priorities,” he said.

“On this 23rd DUET Day, we are renewing that commitment.”

Speaking as a special guest, DUET Pro-Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr Engineer Ruma said, “Today’s students are the architects of a prosperous Bangladesh of tomorrow.”

She said developing students into skilled human resources through a combination of research, innovation and ethics, and enabling them to contribute to the country’s sustainable development, are among DUET’s key objectives.

The programme was chaired by DUET Registrar (Additional Charge) Professor Dr Md Mostakur Rahman.

Deans of different faculties, directors, heads of departments, hall provosts, leaders of the Teachers’ Association, teachers, officers, employees, and current and former students were present at the event.

The day-long celebrations also included a tug-of-war competition between teachers and DUET alumni, a friendly volleyball match, a session where former students recalled memories of the movement for establishing DUET, and a special prayer gathering at the university’s central mosque.

With enthusiastic participation from teachers, students, officers, employees and alumni, along with colourful illumination across the campus, DUET turned into a vibrant gathering of its community as it marked its 23rd anniversary.

//DBTech/BNO/SME//