PSTU, BU Vice-Chancellors Accorded Reception

The newly appointed vice-chancellors of Patuakhali Science and Technology University (PSTU) and University of Barishal (BU) were accorded a reception on Wednesday by the University Teachers’ Association of Bangladesh (UTAB) and Zia Parishad, PSTU Unit.

The reception was held at 10:00 am on June 24 at the TSC Conference Room of PSTU. The programme was chaired by Prof. Dr. Mohammad Atikur Rahman, Convener of the Reception Committee and Registrar of the university. The event was moderated by Prof. Dr. A.B.M. Saiful Islam, Dean of the Faculty of Oceanography.

The chief guests were Prof. Dr. S. M. Hemayet Jahan, the newly appointed Vice-Chancellor of PSTU, and Prof. Dr. Mamun Or Rashid, the newly appointed Vice-Chancellor of the University of Barishal. Teachers, students, officers, employees, and leaders of UTAB, Zia Parishad, the reception committee and the PSTU unit of Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal were also present.

The programme began with the recitation of the Holy Quran, followed by a brief presentation highlighting the academic and professional achievements of the two vice-chancellors. Floral greetings and commemorative crests were then presented to them on behalf of the organisers. UTAB, Zia Parishad and Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal also extended their congratulations.

Addressing the gathering, PSTU Vice-Chancellor Prof. Dr. S. M. Hemayet Jahan said, “I will consider myself successful if I can properly fulfil all the responsibilities entrusted to me as vice-chancellor. I have accepted this position as a major challenge. Almighty Allah tests people through authority, status, wealth and power. Therefore, I believe more in actions than words, and I want to be judged by my work.”

He added that he would administer the university with responsibility and transparency and urged teachers, officers, employees and students to perform their respective duties sincerely.

“We want to serve the university community. If anyone notices irregularities, corruption or disorder, they should verify the facts and bring them to the attention of the media. This will help ensure accountability and good governance at the university,” he said.

Referring to student welfare, Prof. Hemayet Jahan said the administration had already taken several initiatives to make the university more student-friendly. These include introducing a nominal one-time token fee during admission to improve transportation services and prioritising students’ needs when fish harvested from university ponds are distributed.

“Students are the lifeblood of the university, and their welfare will always remain our top priority,” he added.

Speaking at the event, University of Barishal Vice-Chancellor Prof. Dr. Mamun Or Rashid expressed gratitude to Almighty Allah for the opportunity to serve as vice-chancellor.

“This is both a joyful occasion and the beginning of a significant responsibility. The teachers, students, officers and employees of the University of Barishal have high expectations of me. I will work with utmost sincerity and dedication to fulfil those expectations,” he said, seeking prayers and support from all concerned.

In his presidential remarks, Prof. Dr. Mohammad Atikur Rahman praised the PSTU vice-chancellor’s decision not to use the vehicle allocated for the registrar, describing it as a positive example of transparency, accountability and integrity.

He also said that since assuming office, the vice-chancellor had been actively working to improve the university’s infrastructure, administrative functions and student facilities. Efforts are also underway to reactivate laboratories and academic support services that had remained non-functional for a long period, he added.

Among others, Prof. Dr. Abu Bashar Khan, Proctor of PSTU; Zahidul Islam Ratul, President of PSTU unit Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal; General Secretary Sohel Rana Jony; Assistant Registrars Riaz Kanchan and Hasib Md. Tushar; Abu Bakar Siddique; and several deans, professors and university officials addressed the programme.

At the end of the event, commemorative crests were presented to the two vice-chancellors on behalf of UTAB and Zia Parishad. The programme concluded with the closing remarks of the chair.