Mahasthangarh Proposed as Site for Bogura Science and Technology University

Mahasthangarh, the site of the ancient city of Pundranagar, has emerged as a potential location for the proposed Bogura Science and Technology University. The move has sparked discussions on blending the region’s rich intellectual heritage with modern innovation.

State Minister for Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives, Mir Shah-e Alam, recently indicated that Mahasthangarh is under consideration for the new campus. While no final decision has been reached, the proposal has gained interest from academics, local stakeholders, and cultural experts.

Dating back over 2,500 years, Pundranagar was the capital of Pundravardhana and one of Bengal’s earliest urban centers. It flourished as a hub of administration and learning under the Maurya, Gupta, and Pala empires. Scholars note that the region historically hosted numerous educational centers, attracting students from across South Asia.

Experts argue that establishing a modern university at Mahasthangarh could revive this legacy. Beyond education, the project could transform the area into an international hub for research and heritage tourism.

Previously, authorities had shortlisted a site at Noymail in Jamalpur, along the Bogura–Dhaka highway, due to its superior road and proposed railway connectivity. However, the inclusion of Mahasthangarh introduces a unique opportunity to integrate heritage preservation with academic infrastructure.

Azmain Riyadh, a University of Dhaka student and local resident, described the initiative as a potential "historic-educational hub." He emphasized that any development must strictly balance archaeological conservation with modern construction.

Minister Mir Shah-e Alam reiterated that the selection process is ongoing and that public interest will remain a primary factor in the final decision.

Local residents hope the university will honor the traditions of ancient Pundranagar while driving economic growth and scientific research in northern Bangladesh.