Bangladesh Islamic University of Technology hosts students from 57 Islamic Countries
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An international institute in Bangladeshi environ
Abu Bakr Siddique
30 October, 2002- was a memorable day in the annals of the Islamic University
of Technology (IUT). The Sixteenth Convocation ceremony was held on the day at
the premises of the university at Board Bazar, Gazipur. Her Excellency Begum
Khaleda Zia was the chief guest. It is her beloved husband Shaheed President
Ziaur Rahman who had laid foundation stone of this university (then named as
ICTVTR) on 27 March, 1981. Paradoxical coincidence though, Her Excellency Begum
Khaleda Zia had been the chief guest at each inaugural ceremony when ICTVTR was
renamed as Islamic Institute of Technology (IIT) in 1995 and also when IIT
became Islamic University of Technology (IUT) in 2001. Historically speaking,
during 1970s, the Organisation of the Islamic Conference (OIC) then consisted
of 57 Muslim countries felt the necessity for the establishment of an unique
academic institution for the proper development of the human resources of the
OIC Member countries, giving the emphasis on science and technology. The idea
was initiated in the Eighth Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers (ICFM) held
in Tripoli, Libya in 1977. The Ninth Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers
(ICFM) held at Bhakar, Senegal in April, 1978 had approved the establishment of
Islamic Centre for Technical and Vocational Training and Research (ICTVTR) in
Dhaka, Bangladesh. The then Government of People's Republic of Bangladesh,
under the dynamic leadership of Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman had donated 30
acres of land at Board Bazar, Gazipur just 30 kilometres north of Dhaka. The
construction work began with laying foundation stone by Shaheed Ziaur Rahman in
presence of H.E. Chairman Yasir Arafat, Secretary General (OIC), Dr. Habib
El-Chatty and many other dignitaries. To begin with, the main objectives of the
centre had been to help in human resources development of the OIC Member
countries with due emphasis on different engineering technologies and trades as
well as technical and vocational education. The first consultative meting of
the National Experts of the OIC Member countries held at Dhaka on 17-19 March,
1981 had recommended the following courses of studies and training for
Craftsmen, Technicians, Engineers and Technical Teachers. (A) Trade Courses of
maximum 2-year duration in the different fields of Mechanical, Electrical,
Electronic and Chemical Engineering. (B) 3 years technology courses offering
Higher Diploma in Mechanical, Electrical, Electronic and Chemical Engineering.
(C) Instructor Training Courses viz (i) Master in Technical Education (1 to 2
years' Course); (ii) Bachelor in Technical Education (2 year Course) (iii)
Diploma in Vocational Education (2 year Course) (iv) Certification Course of 6
months. The construction had been completed by 1985. Regular classes began from
the academic session 1986-87. With three Departments: (1) Department of
Mechanical and Chemical Engineering (MCE) (2) Department of Electrical and
Electronic Engineering (EEC) and (3) Department Instructor Training and General
Studies (ITT). Courses, Higher Diploma of the then ICTVTR and the Polytechnic
Institutes of Bangladesh gave Diploma Certificates in Engineering. Moreover,
many foreign students were not happy with the Diploma Certificates after 3
year's intensive studies of higher Diploma Engineering Courses. Because status
of Diploma Engineering Certificate holders is lower than Bachelor's in
Engineering Degree holders. All these factors had prompted Prof. Dr. A.M.
Patwari, the then Director General of ICTVTR, to introduce integrated B.Sc.
Engineering Degree Courses by extending one more year of study after Higher
Diploma in Engineering. His concerted efforts had ultimately got approval of
the Integrated Degree Courses in Engineering from the OIC Secretariat. The 22nd
ICFM held in Casablanca, Morocco, 10-11 December, 1994 adapted the resolution
to rename ICTVTR to Islamic Institute of Technology (IIT). It had been
monumental achievement of Prof. Dr. A.M. Patwari, the then Director General of
the IIT. This had paved the way towards its next goal to be the University.
Inaugural Ceremony of the IIT was held in 1995 along with Ninth Congregation
Ceremony (Certificates awarding ceremony) and Her Excellency, Begum Khaleda Zia
had been the Chief Guest on that solemn occasion. The response from the
students for the integrated Degree Courses had been prolific. Students from
both foreign and home countries had shown keen interest for the above course.
Apprehending enrollments of more and more students, Prof. Dr. A.M. Patwari, the
then Director General, IIT made another monumental endeavour. He had embarked
on gigantic task of construction of physical facilities (dormitories and
buildings etc) for accommodation of more students and the academic programme.
Prof. Dr. Anwar Hossain, another dynamic personality became the new Director
General, IIT in 1999. It was then only one step forward to achieve the
university status. Prof. Dr. Anwar Hossain took the initiative. So the 28th
ICFM held at Damco, Mali in 25-27 June, 2001 had declared the IIT as the
Islamic University of Technology (IUT). The inaugural ceremony of the IUT had
again coincided with the 15th Convocation Ceremony held in 2001 and Begum
Khaleda Zia, again, had been the chief guest on that solemn occasion. Both
Prof. Dr. A.M. Patwari, and Prof. Dr. Anwar Hossain deserve to be given due
recognition for their contribution and achievement towards upgrading an
institute with initial identity as ICTVTR to the present status as University
as Islamic University of Technology (IUT). A great achievement indeed. Unique
features The Islamic University of Technology (IUT) is an unique Institute of
Excellence in the academic world. With students and trainee from different OIC
Countries, this University is a symbol of Islamic solidarity and joint Islamic
Action, for the human resources development of the Member states of the OIC.
Every inch of the structure of the University reflects Islamic architecture and
culture. Every inch of its academic environment constitutes congenial
atmosphere for education and research. Academic Programme is on schedule.
Admission, academic session, Examination and convocation all are held in time.
No political turmoil can disrupt this academic programme. "Session-jot" is an
unknown phenomena Teaching is imparted by the best teachers in their respective
fields. Laboratory and library facilities as well as social and sports
facilities designed for students and faculty for extracurricular activities are
of international standard. The University is primarily financed by the
financial contribution of the OIC Member Countries. Bangladesh is proud to host
this prestigious university in its soil. The writer is ex-Librarian, IUT &
BUET.