Bangladesh’s first aviation university is set to begin academic activities from January next year.
The Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Aviation and Aerospace University (BSMRAAU) is expected to begin admissions from November, pending final approval from the University Grants Commission (UGC).
UGC sources said the letter of final approval is likely to be sent within the next week.
The university will temporarily hold classes at the four-storey old Public Service Commission (PSC) Building in Tejgaon, and has asked for permission from Bangladesh Air Force (BAF) to use another nearby building as well.
Meanwhile, the permanent main campus of the university is being set up in Lalmonirhat, by transforming the Lalmonirhat Airport that has been abandoned since World War II. A branch of the university will also be set up at Ashkona, close to Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka.
BSMRAAU is being set up with the aim of promoting aeronautical and aerospace studies in the country, and to ensure the training of pilots, aviation scientists, engineers and other skilled manpower in the field of aviation. Students will be able to study aircraft construction, repair, satellite construction and launching, as well as conduct aerospace research.
“The country needs skilled manpower and human resources in the aviation sector, in order to reap the benefit of the national demographic dividend. This institution [BSMRAAU] will help create aeronautical and aerospace professionals locally,” BSMRAAU Vice Chancellor Air Vice-Marshal AHM Fazlul Haque told Dhaka Tribune.
“This institution is a step towards becoming a developing nation. It will be a major economic boost, and will help create skilled manpower with higher income potential,” he added.
The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) estimates that growth in global air passenger travel will double by 2030, and the Asia Pacific region is expected to become the largest air transport market in the world within the next 10 years, the VC further said.
“This means there will be ample opportunities in the aviation sector.”
The curriculum at a glance
BSMRAAU’s initial target is to admit 100-150 students under three bachelors and two masters programs.
The bachelors programs are in aviation operation management, aviation safety and security, and aircraft maintenance engineering (aerospace), while the masters programs are in aviation operation management, and aeronautical engineering.
Furthermore, flight maintenance and management programs will be introduced next year.
UGC Director of Public Universities Md Kamal Hossain said they have already received a letter from the university requesting permission to begin admissions and academic activities, and the permission will be finalized very soon.
“We need to follow some procedures before granting the permission. The letter granting permission is likely to be sent within the first week of November,” he added.
VC AHM Fazlul Haque said BSMRAAU will be an international standard institution, and the curriculum is being prepared with assistance from a number of different countries.
The Civil Aviation Authority Bangladesh (CAAB) and Bangladesh Air Force will be the driving forces behind the university, while Biman Bangladesh Airlines and other local and international industry stakeholders will work together to run BSMRAAU.
The university plans to run 37 departments under seven faculties and four institutes.
(Dhaka Tribune)
0 comments: