The Vice-Chancellorship of the young Jamalpur Science and Technology University (JSTU) on October 22, 2024, Professor Dr. Mohammad Raknuzzaman arrived at a critical moment for the institution, which was founded in 2017 and began teaching in 2019.
As the third Vice-Chancellor of JSTU, Dr. Raknuzzaman follows Professor Syed Samsuddin Ahmed and Professor Dr. Md. Kamrul Alam Khan, marking a period of strengthening and advancement for the university. Currently at a vital point in its growth, JSTU is concentrating on building its facilities, reinforcing its academic offerings, and creating a distinct presence in Bangladesh’s higher education sector. The university’s official renaming to Jamalpur Science and Technology University in January 2025 has placed an additional responsibility on Dr. Raknuzzaman: steering the institution through this change and firmly establishing its new identity.
The GST cluster ‘A-Unit’ (Science Branch) admission test for the first-year Bachelor’s (Honours) program was peacefully held at Jamalpur University of Science and Technology (JUST) on Friday, May 9, 2025. Professor Dr. Mohammad Raknuzzaman and Honorable Pro-Vice Chancellor Dr. Mohammad Mosharraf Hossain, Registrar Mohammad Noor Hossain Chowdhury, Proctor (Acting) Dr. Mohammad Sanadi Kur Rahman, Student Leader and Director (Mirror) Md. Saiful Islam, Unit Focal Point Ripon Roy, Co-Focal Point Md. Aliullah Chowdhury and the Member Secretary of Discipline-Decoration and Entertainment Committee ‘Dr. Sayed Nazmul Huda’ led the examination. Out of 3,028 registered students, 2,793 candidates participated in the exam at JUST, resulting in a 92% attendance rate. Specifically, 2,211 candidates took the test at the main JUST campus, while 582 appeared at the Malanch MA Gafur High School center.
Member Secretary of Discipline-Decoration and Entertainment Committee, Assistant Professor, ‘Dr. Sayed Nazmul Huda’, published research demonstrates a wide range of scholarly interests. He has explored topics in economics and business, such as electronic banking and the economic aspects of agriculture, alongside public health, notably concerning the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, he has investigated agricultural economics, specifically focusing on crop production within Bangladesh. This diverse body of work, appearing in various academic journals, indicates a strong inclination towards addressing practical societal issues using analytical and data-driven approaches.
Anticipated Focus and Strategic Pathways:
Considering JSTU’s current phase of growth and Dr. Raknuzzaman’s scholarly and research expertise, several key areas of emphasis and strategic pathways are anticipated to define his time in office:
- Developing Infrastructure: A major emphasis is expected on bringing to fruition the university administration’s plans for extensive infrastructure development. This encompasses building a safe and supportive campus atmosphere furnished with contemporary educational resources, cutting-edge research laboratories, and facilities catering to student welfare. Dr. Raknuzzaman’s guidance is a vital in managing the planning, securing finances, and implementing these projects, ensuring they are in line with the university’s long-range goals and respect the natural environment.
- Improving Academic Standards: His own background as a professor, Dr. Raknuzzaman is probably place a high priority on elevating the quality of JSTU’s academic offerings. This include revising and updating curricula, recruiting and retaining highly competent educators, promoting creative teaching approaches, and forming robust academic partnerships.
- Cultivating a Research-Oriented Environment: A dynamic research ecosystem is fundamental to the advancement of any science and technology-focused university. Dr. Raknuzzaman is functioning to stress the advancement of research endeavors among both faculty and students. This is involve creating research institutes, promoting collaborative research across disciplines, facilitating access to research grants, and encouraging the sharing of research outcomes through publications and scholarly meetings.
- Defining University Character: In the wake of the recent renaming, Dr. Raknuzzaman plays a critical role in establishing and strengthening the distinct identity of Jamalpur Science and Technology University. This involves clearly articulating the university’s purpose, aspirations, and core principles to both internal and external communities, and that all university activities reflect its dedication to science and technology.
- Facilities seamless change and stability: As the third Vice-Chancellor, Dr. Raknuzzaman building on the work of his predecessors while also implementing his own strategic ideas. Ensuring a smooth transition and maintaining momentum in existing projects and initiatives will be crucial for the university’s stability and forward movement.
- Build External connections: For a university in its development, establishing strong relationships with other academic institutions, research bodies, and industries is essential. Dr. Raknuzzaman is concentrated on creating such collaborations to expand academic and research opportunities for JSTU’s faculty and students.
Possible areas of influence:
Although specific accomplishments under Dr. Raknuzzaman’s leadership are just beginning to emerge, potential areas where his influence may be seen in the upcoming years include:
- Clear advancements in the development of infrastructure, with the commencement and finalization of significant buildings and facilities.
- The introduction of novel and specialized academic programs that address the needs of today’s technological world.
- An increase in the research produced and the publications authored by faculty members and students.
- The formation of collaborative research efforts and partnerships with organizations both within Bangladesh and internationally.
- An improved reputation and greater recognition for Jamalpur Science and Technology University as a prominent institution in the area.
- A rise in the number of talented students enrolling, drawn by the university’s academic and research atmosphere.
- The evolution of a robust and unified university culture that encourages innovation, teamwork, and high academic standards.
Professor Dr. Mohammad Raknuzzaman currently leads Jamalpur Science and Technology University at a crucial point in its evolution. Although his specific accomplishments are still unfolding, his experience and the university’s present requirements indicate a strong emphasis on developing infrastructure, improving academic standards, promoting research, and defining the university’s unique character as an institution centered on science and technology. His time in this role holds considerable promise for influencing JSTU’s future direction and contributing to its development as a significant hub for learning and research in Bangladesh. Monitoring the university’s advancement and Dr. Raknuzzaman’s initiatives in the near future will offer a clearer understanding of his long-term influence.
