Chittagong University of Engineering and Technology (CUET) has organized the first Planning Student Convention among public universities with the aim of consolidating a strong industry-academia environment. The convention was attended by around 300 young planners from seven public universities of the country, along with representatives of Save the Children, BRAC-Urban Development and other allied organizations.
Other activities in the two-day convention included seminars, photo exhibitions and poster exhibitions, thesis technical sessions, project presentations, cultural programs etc.
CUET VC Professor Dr. Mohammad Rafiqul Alam inaugurated this conference in the Central Auditorium of the university on Thursday morning.
In the opening speech of this conference, which is a joint initiative of Urban and Regional Planning (URP) Department of UET and Bangladesh Institute of Planners (BIP), The VC said, “The concept of Students’ Convention at the university level is very timely. Through this, a network is created between researchers and teachers-students of different universities of the country which reinforces the strong industry-academia environment.”
Dr. Mohammad Rafiqul Alam also said, “There is no alternative to sustainable development planning in a densely populated country like Bangladesh. Without sustainable and innovative planning, no development will be successful. In the current reality, that development must also be environmentally friendly. Bangladesh is now moving from Digital Bangladesh to Smart Bangladesh. Our universities are working towards the implementation of the Hon’ble Prime Minister’s vision “Village will be a city”. Our young planners need to focus on research and innovation.”
Commodore Mohammad Nurul Absar, Chairman of Cox’s Bazar Development Authority; Dean of the Faculty of Architecture and Planning of CUET Dr. Mohammad Kamrul Hasan, Convening Planner of the convention organizing committee, Prof. Dr. M. Shafiq-ur-Rahman were present as special guests at the convention.
City and Regional Planning Department Head of CUET Professor Dr. Muhammad Rashidul Hasan delivered his welcome address at the convention.
President of Bangladesh Institute of Planners (BIP) Mohammad Fazle Reza Sumon presided over the event. URP assistant professor ATM Shahjahan moderated the program.
Earlier, on the occasion of the planned student rally, a flock of dove- as symbol of peace was flown in front of the administrative building of the university and a joyous rally was held. The rally proceeded from the Administration Building to the Civil Engineering Building and ended at the URP Building. Students, teachers and officials of different universities along with invited guests participated in it.
Successively, various projects and poster exhibitions prepared by the students of city and regional planning departments of seven universities of the country were inaugurated on the ground floor of the URP building. The universities participating in the convention are – Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology, Khulna University of Engineering and Technology, Chittagong University of Engineering and Technology, Rajshahi University of Engineering and Technology, Khulna University, Jahangirnagar University and Pabna Science and Technology University.
