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Rare example of hospitality

Noakhali people provide all-out support to thousands of admission seekers


Published : 02 Nov 2019 09:41 PM | Updated : 07 Sep 2020 02:26 PM

Noakhali has set a unique example of hospitality through providing support to thousands of admission seekers of Noakhali Science and Technology University (NSTU). 

At a time when guardians and students are accustomed with paying prices several times more than the usual, people of Noakhali provided food, accommodation and other facilities free of cost to the admission seekers and their companions.

Noakhali Municipality took the initiative. The university authorities, district administration, Noakhakhali sadar upazila administration and even common people extended their helping hands in this regard. Leaders and activists of ruling Awami League and its associate bodies and some government and non-government organisations were also seen working for the admission seekers. 

A total of 400 volunteers tirelessly worked day and night to provide the unprecedented hospitality to about 1,50,000 persons, including nearly 70,000 entry test candidates.

The admission test began on Friday and ended on Saturday. On the first day, food and shelter were provided to around 40,000 candidates. More 30,000 candidates were added to the number on Saturday.

The towns and cities, where the university admission tests take place, are flooded by arrivals of students and their guardians, on and prior to the dates of test. In that time, residential hotels and other forms of rented accommodation face difficulties to cope with the influx. Many hotels increase occupancy rate, while many restaurants charge extra from the influx.  

In this backdrop, Noakhali people set up the unique example. During the admission test, many locals opened their doors for the students and guardians. Temporary help centres and primary health camps were set up in different places of the district. Monitoring cells were also set up by police administration so that the students can take part in the Noakhalu University’s admission without hassle. 

Moreover, a festive mood was witnessed on the NSTU campus. Whole the campus were decorated with banners and festoons welcoming the admission seekers. District-based student bodies also helped the admission seekers through opening information desk and other activities.   

NSTU VC Prof Dr Didar-ul-Alam told the Bagnladesh Post that the admission test ended with heartfelt support of Noakhali people. Alongside the teachers, students and employees of the university, local MP Ekramul Karim Chowdhury, Deputy Commissioner of Noakhali Tonmoy Das, Mayor of Noakhali Municipality Shahidullah Khan Sohel, Chairman of Noakhali Sadar Upazila Parishad AKM Shamsuddin Jehan and people from all walks of life and voluntary organisations extended their support to the admission seekers. “We are grateful to them,” said the VC. 

NSTU Proctor Prof Dr Newaz Mohammad Bahadur said that lawmaker Ekramul Karim Chowdhury provided lunch and 60,000 bottles of water, while he also provided 100 buses for transporting the admission seekers. 

AKM Shamsuddin Jehan and Shahidullah Khan Sohel said that schools, colleges, madrasah, mosques, residential hotels and offices and buildings of upazila parishad and Nokhali Municipality and several other government and non-government institutions were used for accommodation purpose. The admission seekers were provided support free of cost. A total of 200 bikes were used for transporting them. Common people also joined the voluntary service.  Alongside the university website, information for admission seekers were also uploaded on the websites of Noakhali Sadar Upazila Parishad and Noakhali Municipality, they said.  

Shamsuddin Jehan said, “All the admission seekers won’t be able to get chance in Noakhali Science and Technology University, but they will remember us for the hospitality.” 

Shahidullah Khan Sohel said the Nokhali Municipality provided the unprecedented support with help of others.  “We sat for a coordination meeting to support admission seekers in our office on October 29. NSTU VC, Noakhali DC, Police Super, political leaders, teachers, journalists and others were present there. The municipality provided volunteers and supervised the voluntary service with help of them,” said the Mayor.  

Expressing his gratitude and satisfaction, Samin Fardeen Shoumik, a student of Science group who visited Noakhali from Dhaka for the admission test, said that the arrangements by the Noakhali people are very appreciable. 

Narrating his experience, he said, “I visited the NSTU campus on early Saturday with my father. After reaching, I became surprised to see the arrangement. Some volunteers came to us and gave us breakfast. They also provided some information about seat planning. I think that it is an exemplary initiative for other universities and it can remove the food and accommodation tensions of the admission seekers and their parents.”  

“We are overwhelmed with their support. We will remember their hospitality throughout our life,” Shoumik added.