A New Look for <i>Applied Physics </i>
I was in Dhaka University recently with my friend Sakhawat, alumnus of the Applied Physics department. This department is housed in a nondescript white building. Adjacent to ornate red Curzon Hall it looks out of place. When we were told that the building had a brand new facade we wanted to see for ourselves.
Indeed, a new exterior enveloped the old building. It left the original building untouched but added a new facade, including high red arches and domes resembling Curzon Hall. It was as if a new layer had been added from the outside. There were subtle differences - the new dome, for example, was less intricate than the Curzon dome - but the two buildings now looked very much alike.
Wanting to find out more, we talked with Dr. Adnan Kiber, head of the department and Sakhawat's batchmate. Several teachers were also present.
Now known as Applied Physics, Electronics and Communication Engineering, the department started its journey in 1965. It is home to about 500 students and has a class (batch) size of 70. Graduating students find employment in a variety of sectors including government (BCS), telecommunications, banking, and various research organizations.
The department is one of the most sought-after in Dhaka University. “The competition to enter becomes tougher as time passes,” said Dr. Kiber. Currently, forty thousand students (with GPA 5) apply into a group of science-related majors at the University. Those admitted into Applied Physics rank within the best three hundred of these applicants.
Courses emphasize the application of physics for engineering and technological use. Workload is intense. Instructors often use course material from MIT and Harvard. Students are trained to think out of the box and be nimble with engineering, scientific and analytical work.
Graduates excel in many fields. This year, an alumnus competed against hundreds of other physicists to win an international prize from Rutherford-Appleton Laboratory in the UK. Others have started successful semiconductor ventures in Silicon Valley, rose to senior positions in the U.S. software industry, or became prominent business leaders. This year, two instructors and a student won tickets to the Lindau meeting of Nobel laureates through a global competition.
Looking forward, Dr. Kiber expressed concern about science and technology education. “Today's young people are attracted to commerce-related subjects for financial reasons,” he said. However, the nation cannot move forward without excelling in science and technology. The government needs to formulate policy and provide incentives to attract the brightest minds into these areas, he emphasised.
We discussed the new facade. “The work was done by the government with funding from a Japanese heritage fund,” he said. The Public Works Ministry provided architectural design and implementation. The University oversaw the two-year construction which cost about two crore Taka.
Before leaving, I walked around the building once more, photographing. The trees - including a Nageshwar wearing leaves of many colours - were vibrant after rain. Their green contrasted nicely with the red exterior. I knew I would be back for more pictures.
Comments