Rajshahi, Oct 8 (V7N) — The construction of the state-of-the-art Rajshahi Medical University is progressing steadily on nearly 68 acres of land in the Silinda area near the divisional stadium. Once fully operational, the project is expected to mark a historic transformation in healthcare education, research, and employment opportunities in northern Bangladesh.

The university will not only elevate the standard of medical education and research but also attract students and researchers from home and abroad. Academic excellence among doctors, nurses, and medical students is expected to improve significantly once the campus becomes fully functional.

Following land acquisition and other administrative procedures, construction officially began on December 1 last year. The main entrance gate of the campus is currently under construction. Since its establishment in 2016, Rajshahi Medical University has been operating temporarily across several buildings at Rajshahi Medical College and Hospital. Authorities anticipate full completion of the university by 2029.

Institutional sources reveal that the university will feature a 1,200-bed specialized hospital and offer postgraduate degrees in 68 subjects under 10 medical faculties. Additionally, nine faculties will oversee 85 medical disciplines for advanced degrees. Research activities aimed at improving healthcare standards to international levels will also be conducted here.

In an interview with Amader Rajshahi, Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. Md. Zawadul Haque said, “Visible progress is already underway. In the first phase, 21 buildings will be constructed, including the academic and administrative buildings, hospital, nursing college, central library, VC residence, residential areas, dormitories, mortuary, and a beautiful mosque. A 10-story international-standard residential hotel will also be built for visiting foreign researchers, teachers, and guests.”

The campus will include extensive green zones, playgrounds, substations, a departmental store, staff quarters, a large water reservoir, a four-story school and daycare center, and two 10-story dormitories with modern amenities.

Speaking about the project’s financial aspects, Dr. Haque said, “Initially, the project was estimated to cost Tk 1,867 crore. However, due to rising construction and land acquisition costs, the DPP was revised. The Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) approved a revised allocation of Tk 2,400 crore in its meeting on November 9, 2023. The initial DPP approval came on June 14, 2022.”

The construction site spans the Barobangram area of Rajshahi City and the Baripara and Baje Silinda mouzas of Paba upazila.

Professor Haque emphasized community participation, saying, “As the Vice-Chancellor, I am accountable to the people. Constructive criticism helps us improve. Everyone has the right to know what we are doing and how we are progressing. I welcome all positive suggestions regarding the university’s development.”

Regarding his career, Dr. Haque added, “I am primarily an academician and a doctor by profession. I began my career in 1986, serving as a medical officer in several upazila health complexes until 1993. Later, I joined Rangpur Medical College as a lecturer in Community Medicine and eventually became the Professor and Head of the Department of Community Medicine at Rajshahi Medical College.”

He also served as Vice-Principal of Islami Bank Medical College in Rajshahi and held several key positions at Rajshahi Medical University, including Syndicate Member, Dean of the Preventive and Social Medicine Faculty, and Convener of multiple committees.

Professor Dr. Md. Zawadul Haque was appointed Vice-Chancellor of Rajshahi Medical University on September 9, 2024, and officially assumed office the following day.

With its ambitious design, international research focus, and modern healthcare facilities, Rajshahi Medical University is set to become a landmark institution that will redefine the region’s medical education and healthcare landscape.

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