The government has moved to significantly strengthen higher agricultural education and research capacity with the proposed “Infrastructure Development of Gazipur Agricultural University” project.
The project, involving a total cost of Tk 567.29 crore, has been undertaken by the Secondary and Higher Education Division, with implementation shared between the University Grants Commission (UGC) and Gazipur Agricultural University.
The three-year undertaking will run from October 2025 to September 2028, according to the project document.
According to the project summary, the initiative seeks to develop accreditable laboratories, modern classrooms and expanded facilities in line with the university’s academic master plan.
The goal is to produce skilled graduates and future entrepreneurs capable of contributing to the country’s rapidly evolving agriculture sector.
The project includes construction of two fully equipped academic buildings featuring laboratories, classrooms and galleries; vertical expansion of an existing faculty building; and establishment of an international-standard sports complex to support students’ physical and mental well-being. It also aims to procure specialised laboratory equipment, office machinery, classroom furniture and furnishings for academic buildings, residential halls and research facilities.
To support field-based learning, the project will acquire vehicles to facilitate student tours of research institutions, extension agencies and other practical learning sites.
Agriculture remains one of Bangladesh’s most vital sectors, with technological advances significantly boosting production in recent decades.
Officials say the country now requires highly skilled and technologically proficient manpower to drive further innovation, meet rising food demand and respond to climate challenges.
In this context, enhancing Gazipur Agricultural University’s research and teaching facilities has become essential.
The proposed infrastructure development is expected to enable students and researchers to engage in high-quality scientific work, contributing to national agricultural productivity, industrial growth, technology development and sustainable progress.
The initiative aligns with the Eighth Five-Year Plan, which emphasises improving the quality of higher education, strengthening science and technology-based learning and developing world-class research facilities.
Gazipur, home to the university, has been selected as the project site due to its established reputation as a centre of agricultural education.
Authorities note that improved infrastructure will allow students and researchers to undertake impactful research, helping build a technologically competent workforce capable of supporting the nation’s development goals.
A feasibility study was carried out by SHELTECH Consultants (Pvt) Ltd, as per the government’s 2022 guidelines for project formulation and processing. Findings from the study were incorporated into the Development Project Proposal (DPP), with details outlined on pages 320–330.
The project’s total cost of Tk 567.2917 crore will be disbursed over four fiscal years, with Tk 56.72 crore allocated for FY 2025–26, Tk 198.55 crore each for FY 2026–27 and FY 2027–28, and Tk 113.45 crore for FY 2028–29.
The Planning Commission noted that the project would enhance the university’s capacity to deliver quality education and research, create skilled graduates, support physical and intellectual development of students and strengthen academic dynamism. It emphasised that the project would play a vital role in improving the country’s agriculture-driven economy.