Dhaka University Vice Chancellor Professor Dr. Md. Akhtaruzzaman said, “People are familiar with the idea of a fair in a different way. But fair with research, it is a new concept. In the research fair, the creation of new knowledge and the distribution of that knowledge to the public are done simultaneously, a transformation takes place in society through research.”
He said these at the opening ceremony of ‘Research Fair-2023’ organised for the first time at the Central Auditorium of Chittagong University of Engineering and Technology (CUET) on Monday morning. The DU VC was present at the event as the chief guest.
Under the slogan "Knowledge Exploration for Smart Bangladesh" (Knowledge Exploration for Smart Bangladesh) this research fair was organized through various day-long programs under the supervision of the Directorate of Research and Extension of CUET.
CUET Vice ChancellorProf. Dr. Mohammad Rafiqul Alam was the guest of honour in the event. The special guests were Prof. Dr. Sunil Dhar, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering and Technology, Prof. Dr. Sudip Kumar Paul, Dean of the Faculty of Civil Engineering, Prof. Dr. Sheikh Mohammad Humayun Kabir, Dean of the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Prof. Dr. Mohammad Samsul Arefin, Dean of the Faculty of Electrical and Computer Engineering. Dean of the Faculty of Architecture and Planning Prof. Dr. Mohammad Kamrul Hasan. The function was presided over by Professor Dr. Sajal Chandra Banik, Convener of the Research Fair and Director of the Directorate of Research and Extension.
The member secretary of the fair, Professor Dr. GM Sadiqul Islam, gave a welcome speech. The program was conducted by Assistant Professor of EEE Department Dr. Sahad Ghosh and Lecturer of CSE Department Tasmia Binte Hai.
About 350 teachers, researchers, engineers, entrepreneurs, professionals and students from 40 universities of the country met in the fair. Where a total of 131 research articles (94 posters and 37 projects) were finally selected.Professor Dr. Md. Akhtaruzzaman said tat Bangabandhu's dream was to transform the nation through innovations in science, agriculture, engineering and technology. In present reality it is possible only through knowledge based on engineering and information technology. Moreover, the main parameter of global ranking is research and innovation.
Now is the era of industry-academia collaboration. At the same time, community engagement is one of the functions of the university. The basic responsibility of the university is to work for the welfare of the various stakeholders of the society. It is good to see this organization of CUET research fair centrally after Dhaka University. It was good to see the beautiful infrastructural development of CUET, beautiful clean environment, campus with modern laboratory facilities.
CUET Vice Chancellor Professor Dr. Mohammad Rafiqul Alam said, "Though the geographical location of CUET is in Mafswal, students and teachers have been able to show their position through talent and hard work. It is reflected in the US-based QS ranking. We are always committed to academic studies as well as research and innovation, signing of MoUat home and abroad and industry-academia collaboration. We have launched 'Best Research Publication Award' and 'Student Research Fund' to create research culture among teachers and students. This time, research fair has been organized for the first time as an effort to strengthen research and innovation activities. Hope this fair will be organized every year from now."
The formalities of the research fair started with a joy rally in front of the administrative building of the CUET campus. After the opening ceremony, a seminar titled "Smart Employment" was held under the supervision of A2I of the Prime Minister's Office in the central auditorium. Later, the cover of the collection of essays presented in the research fair was unveiled. This was followed by a project showcase and poster presentation
The sponsors of the research fair were GPH Ispat, Revup, DCDL and Confidence Cement. The beverage partner will be Nescafé. Besides, the media partners were Channel I, Channel-24, Now TV, Daily Observer, Dainik Azadi and CUET News 24.