People from all walks of life in Shariatpur formed a human chain demanding the establishment of Shariatpur Agricultural University at its previously designated location alongside the Shariatpur-Dhaka Highway near the district town. The demonstration took place on Friday (October 23) afternoon in the Kotapara Bridge area along the highway under the banner of "Citizens of Shariatpur District." A large number of local residents, students, and teachers from various upazilas, including Shariatpur Sadar and Naria, actively participated in the program.
Key speakers at the rally included Imran Al Nazir, Union Parishad Member Billal Sheikh, Dhaka University student Md. Habibur Rahman, Abir Hasan, and Aminul Jitu, among others.
Addressing the gathering, speakers noted that after the legal framework for Shariatpur Agricultural University was passed in 2023, the Domsar area under Sadar upazila and the Nason area under Naria upazila were shortlisted as potential sites for the university campus. However, following the recent appointment of the Vice-Chancellor, they learned that a proposal has been put forward to relocate the university to a union in Damudya upazila, bypassing the previous sites.
The demonstrators pointed out that the proposed location in Damudya upazila is situated at one far end of the district. Establishing the university there would cause immense commute troubles for students arriving from different upazilas across Shariatpur. Furthermore, securing housing, healthcare, tutoring opportunities, and other essential civic facilities for students would become significantly more challenging.
Speakers emphasized that Shariatpur Agricultural University is an institution meant to serve the students and public of the entire district, not just a specific localized area. Therefore, considering the convenience of all citizens, the campus should be built near the district headquarters or adjacent areas along the main highway. This would ensure easy transportation access, adequate accommodation, and better medical and civic amenities for students.
From the human chain, demonstrators urged the relevant government authorities to reconsider the site selection and demanded the immediate construction of the university campus near the district town along the Shariatpur-Dhaka Highway.
— Daily Best News Desk • Fearless in the search for truth
Reported by Shariatpur Correspondent, Shariatpur • Edited by the Daily Best News desk. Send corrections to [email protected].
