40% of DU teachers meet international standards: VC

Dhaka University Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr Niaz Ahmed Khan said that 40 per cent of the university’s teachers meet international standards, despite challenges in providing a conducive research environment. 

Speaking as the chief guest at a seminar titled ‘Science and Technology Researchers Partnership for Sustainable Development’ on Tuesday, April 29, at the Nawab Nawab Ali Chowdhury Senate Building, he noted, “Dhaka University holds a strong position in education and research, both nationally and globally. With the right support, the remaining teachers can also reach international standards.”

The seminar was organised ahead of a Japan-funded project on water quality monitoring and purification in the Dhaka Metropolitan Area, set to begin in April 2026 and run until March 2031, with a probationary period from May 2025 to March 2026. 

Valued at 500 million yen, the project will be led by Dhaka University and Ehime University of Japan, involving Bangladesh’s Department of Environment, Japan’s Shizuka and Yamagata Universities, and the Institute for Global Environmental Strategies. It is supported by the Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST) and Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).

Pro-Vice Chancellor (Administration) Professor Dr Saima Haque Bidisha attended as a special guest, while Dr. Anwar Hossain, Professor of Fisheries Science and Principal Investigator for Bangladesh, presided over the event. Dr Kozo Watanabe, Professor at Ehime University and Principal Investigator for Japan, was a key speaker.

The vice-chancellor emphasised Japan’s longstanding friendship with Bangladesh, stating, “This friendship transcends politics. The project will directly benefit society, and we aim to make it long-term and sustainable. Dhaka University is ready to provide full support.” Addressing students, he added, “Universities are social institutions. We must work for society and develop ourselves for the country. The university offers many opportunities—students should seize them.”