Disaster Management and Relief Minister Asadul Habib Dulu on Saturday said future aircraft engineers, researchers, and space scientists will emerge from the Aviation and Aerospace University in Lalmonirhat, the country's lone institute of higher learning in the field of aviation and aerospace technology.

He described the university not just as an educational institution but as 'a symbol of national pride'. The minister, also known as 'Engineer Dulu' in his locality, is the MP for Lalmonirhat-3.

He made the remarks as the chief guest at a programme marking the 7th anniversary of the Aviation and Aerospace University (AAU), the country’s sole aviation university, in Lalmonirhat on Saturday morning.

"In step with a rapidly changing world, this university will play a vital role in developing a skilled and competitive workforce for the aviation industry, not only nationally but also on the international stage,’’ said the minister.

Praising the university’s significant progress in a short period, he said the institution would accelerate the development of education, economy, and communication infrastructure in the Lalmonirhat region, opening new horizons for the country’s aviation and aerospace sectors.

Addressing the students, he added, "Your determination should be to pierce the boundaries of the sky and establish our presence in space.’’

Earlier, the minister inspected various aerospace research equipment developed by students, including drones and cube satellites, as well as the university’s modern laboratories.

Vice-Chancellor of the university, Air Vice Marshal Md Mostafizur Rahman, welcomed the chief guest and other dignitaries.

Senior officials of the Bangladesh Air Force, along with top officials from the Lalmonirhat district administration and police, were present at the event. As part of the celebration, students performed in a cultural segment, followed by the ceremonial cutting of an anniversary cake.

The university began its journey on a limited scale at the Old Airport in Dhaka in 2019. Later, on July 3, 2022, it formally launched undergraduate academic activities at its Lalmonirhat campus. Currently, the university offers four undergraduate and five postgraduate courses under four faculties.

The government has set a target to bring around 9,000 students under higher education across 45 departments under eight faculties by 2041.