Big nursing college lies idle for lack of teachers

Bushes cover the premises of an impressive hostel building of Bogra Nursing College as the institution is yet to see students' admission two years after construction of academic and residential buildings.Photo: STAR

Two years after completion of infrastructure, Bogra Nursing College is yet to start admission of students into Bachelor in Nursing Science and Bachelor in Public Health courses due to lack of teachers and other staff.
There is provision for admission of 125 students including five foreign nationals in each of the two courses every session but the Directorate of Nursing Services (DNS) has not yet taken any initiative to appoint teachers and other staff to run the college, college sources said.
Constructed at a cost of Tk 10.43 crore, several multi-storied buildings including academic building, hostels and staff quarters are lying unused.
In July 2008, the ministry concerned approved appointment of 74 persons to different posts but the authorities are yet to publish any advertisement for recruitment, said Firoza Begum, acting principal of the college.
“Two teachers including me and four third and forth class employees have been posted at the college from different districts under an official order of deputation,” she said.
A few months ago, DNS Deputy Director (Education) Chhabi Rani Dhar had told this correspondent over cell phone that after completion of staff recruitment by October this year, authorities were likely to publish advertisement for admission.
But the college is yet to see staff recruitment and student admission.
About two years ago, the Construction Maintenance Management Unit under the Ministry of Health and Family Planning completed construction of several buildings including classrooms with capacity for 360 seats and hostels with accommodation for 250 beds spending Tk 10.43 crore.
Due to shortage of manpower, most of the residential buildings and other establishments like powerhouse are lying uncared for a long time. Many of the entrance roads have been covered with bushes.
Some third and forth class employees have been engaged only for guarding the academic building and keeping it clean.