Country’s first aviation univ will be in Lalmonirhat

The Lalmonirhat Airport, abandoned since World War II, is set to be transformed into Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Aviation and Aerospace University (BSMRAAU), the first of its kind in the country.

This initiative was taken to promote and upgrade aeronautical and aerospace studies in Bangladesh, said Social Welfare Minister Nuruzzaman Ahmed.

As part of the initiative, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Aviation and Aerospace University Bill, 2019 was passed in parliament on February 28, he added.

“Activities of the university began officially through appointment of its vice chancellor, pro-VC, registrar, treasurers and some other high officials on May 6 this year,” said the minister.

Resuming operations at this airport to economically uplift the people of this region has long been a public demand -- raised especially by small and medium businesses in the area.

The main campus of the university will be set up in Lalmonirhat, while it will have a branch at Ashkona in the capital, the minister said at a press meet held during his visit to the airport on Thursday.

“To make Lalmonirhat Airport operational, three flights a day can be operated from there by December. Bangladesh Air Force has been assigned the responsibility.”

The campus will also house a hangar for aircraft maintenance and repairs as well.

Academic classes, including undergraduate and postgraduate courses, are likely to begin by January. The government has initial plans to set up seven faculties, 37 departments and four institutes, he added.

Jatiya Party Chairman and lawmaker from Lalmonirhat-3 GM Quader, Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Masihuzzaman Serniabat, VC of BSMRAAU Air Vice Marshal Fazlul Haque, consultant of BSMRAAU Salman David and other high officials accompanied the minister during the visit.