UGC asked to assess feasibility of agri-varsity in Pabna

PABNA, Oct 21: The Ministry of Education has directed the University Grants Commission (UGC) to conduct a feasibility study on establishing a public agricultural university in Pabna by upgrading Atgharia Agricultural College.

The Public General Universities Branch of the Secondary and Higher Education Division issued a letter on September 30 requesting an assessment of the legal and administrative feasibility of the proposed conversion, along with specific recommendations.

According to ministry and other relevant sources, the initiative follows directives from the Prime Minister’s Office and a government cell responsible for coordinating the implementation of lawmakers’ commitments and proposed programmes.

Shamsur Rahman Shimul Biswas, Member of Parliament from Pabna-5 Constituency, pledged during his election campaign to establish an agricultural university in the district. Since his election, he has been in contact with the Prime Minister’s Office, the Ministry of Education and other authorities regarding the proposal.

Pabna is a major agricultural district that produces onions, rice, wheat, vegetables, pulses and dairy products. Local residents say a university could expand agricultural research, promote modern farming technologies and help train skilled agricultural professionals in the northern region.

“The people of Pabna have long dreamed of a modern agricultural university,” Biswas said. He said the ministry’s directive was a step toward fulfilling his election pledge and vowed to continue working to implement the proposal.

Agriculturalist Jafar Sadek, credited with developing the “two-tier agricultural management” system, said efforts to establish an agricultural university in Pabna had been underway since 1980 but had made little progress.

He welcomed the latest development, saying the institution could benefit education and the district’s agricultural economy while supporting land and infrastructure development.

Sadek urged authorities to expedite land acquisition and draft the necessary legislation after the UGC completes its feasibility study.