DU VC’s financial authority capped at Tk 30cr

Vice Chancellor of the University of Dhaka (DU) Professor Dr. Niaz Ahmed Khan, currently has a financial approval authority limited to only Tk 3 billion. This cap poses an administrative challenge in achieving desired progress in the university’s infrastructure development projects.

Mohammad Javed Alam Mridha, Superintending Engineer of DU’s Planning and Development Office, on Monday told Views Bangladesh that all major construction projects under the university’s Tk 28.41 billion (2,841.86 crore) master plan exceed this limit and thus require approval from the Chief Adviser.

“It’s ironic,” said Mridha, “that the Vice Chancellor cannot approve the construction of buildings included in the master plan he is tasked to implement. As each project involves costs exceeding Tk 1 billion, the signature of the Chief Adviser is mandatory.”

Despite these limitations, Mridha said that VC Dr. Niaz Khan has made notable progress in resolving long-stalled development projects within just six months — a feat unmatched in the past six years.

The master plan includes the construction of 31 buildings: nine residential halls, six academic buildings, nine lobbies, as well as upgrades to the central mosque, the Dhaka University Central Students' Union (DUCSU) building, and other facilities. The full plan has reached the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) stage. If approved, implementation could begin as early as July. The plan is backed by comprehensive assessments, including analysis of seismic, flood, and environmental risks, as well as needs for resettlement and housing.

Javed Mridha also said that DU has responded to 29 planning-related queries at the pre-ECNEC stage.

“Professor Niaz Ahmed Khan’s dynamic leadership has helped navigate the complex approval process. He has traveled wherever necessary and ensured that the burden of delays does not fall on the students,” Mridha added. “He is deeply student-oriented.”

So far, five projects have been approved under OPEC funding. These include affordable food programs, mental health services, pharmaceutical research, and the initiative to transform Salimullah Muslim Hall into a heritage site.

Currently, the university faces acute disparities and overcrowding in student housing. While the new projects may alleviate accommodation issues for male students, the same cannot be said for female students due to a shortage of land. For example, at Sufia Kamal Hall, there are currently 920 students per acre — far exceeding the recommended standard of 350.

“About 74% of DU’s female students come from rural areas, and nearly 70% belong to lower-middle-income families,” said Mridha. “They cannot afford off-campus housing. But the university cannot operate beyond its established rules.”

According to the superintending engineer, while the DU vice chancellor has shown an exceptional commitment to infrastructure development, his limited financial authority underlines a significant administrative bottleneck. To effectively implement the ambitious development plan, continued coordination with the government is essential. Without this, timely project execution — especially to meet the diverse student community’s housing needs — may become increasingly difficult.