They said Buet authorities should approach the government as well as the University Grants' Commission to increase the budget for research.

The former VCs said alumni of Buet, the country's highest seat of engineering education, spread all over the world and they are well established in their respective fields.

They urged the alumni to help raise funds for the overall development of Buet as the fund constraint is one of its main problems.

The ex-VCs were speaking at the inaugural session of the celebration of 60 years of engineering education in Bangladesh organised by Buet at its central auditorium on the campus.

Since the inception of erstwhile Ahsanullah Engineering College in 1947, which later turned into a university in 1962, engineering education in the country marked its 60th anniversary.

Presided over by present VC Prof AMM Safiullah, the inaugural session was addressed by former VCs Prof Dr Wahiduddin Ahmed, Prof Abdul Matin Patwary, Prof Musharraf Hossain Khan, Prof Emeritus Iqbal Mahmud, Prof Dr Nuruddin Ahmed, Prof Dr Alee Murtuza and Convener of the celebration committee Prof Mazharul Haq.

In presence of several hundreds of alumni, eminent academicians shared their memories and experiences and placed their valuable suggestions to face the challenges of 21st century by upgrading the quality of education and research in Buet.

Prof Wahiduddin Ahmed, the oldest person present on the occasion, said Buet, which is an outcome of a long struggle, has been the milestone in higher education and research in the country.

"But instead of being proud of what we achieved during this 60 years, we should now look behind to find out what goals we could not achieve to find ways out for the future of Buet," said 90-year-old veteran educationist.

He called upon young graduates of the university to become good citizens apart from being engineers.

Prof Nuruddin Ahmed said the university has advanced a lot during last 60 years, but it is still far behind than other technical universities across the world.

"The Buet should have launched new courses that could contribute to country's development. It is high time to think how we can improve the quality of its research and how to provide our students with latest facilities," he said.

Alumni, faculty members and present students attended the launching ceremony.

The six-month-long programme will focus on previous and current status of engineering education in the country and will seek direction to keep pace with the progress of engineering education worldwide.