Education Minister Dr ANM Ehsanul Haque Milon on Saturday said the government will take urgent steps to resolve the accommodation crisis at the Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET).

He said a shortage of seats in the university's residential halls is creating difficulties for students and affecting their academic activities.

"If students face accommodation problems, their studies will also suffer. There is a shortage of seats in BUET's residential halls, and we will address these problems," he said.

The minister made the remarks while speaking as the chief guest at the orientation programme for newly admitted students of the 2025-26 academic year at BUET in Dhaka, according to a PID handout.

Describing BUET students as highly talented, Milon said even talented students can sometimes lose their way.

Referring to the killing of BUET student Abrar Fahad, he said it was a tragic incident that no one could forget.

"To preserve his memory, we will request the Prime Minister to establish a residential hall in Abrar Fahad's name," he said.

The minister also said research grants would be increased to improve the quality of research at universities.

He noted that many university laboratories still use outdated equipment and said necessary steps would be taken to modernise research facilities.

The programme was chaired by BUET Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr Eqramul Hoque.

Prime Minister's Education Adviser Dr Mahdi Amin and BUET Pro-Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr Abdul Hasib Chowdhury attended the event as special guests.