Photo : BSS

KHULNA, July 31, 2025 (BSS) - The construction of Khulna University's (KU) second campus at Paikgachha in Khulna is progressing rapidly, with around 80 percent of the development work already completed, according to KU Public Relations and Publications division

The new campus, located on the premises of Paikgachha Agricultural College, is expected to open a new chapter in agricultural education and research in post-July Uprising Bangladesh, and is targeted for inauguration in June 2026.

Speaking to BSS, KU Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr Md Rezaul Karim said the interim government has issued clear directives to implement the plan of transforming Paikgachha Agricultural College into KU's second full-fledged campus.

The 25-acre campus will feature a modern academic building, male and female dormitories, a sports field, a mosque, a teachers' dormitory, an administrative building and a Shaheed Minar, all equipped with contemporary facilities.

The VC noted that all land registration and tax-related formalities have been completed in favour of the university with the assistance of the district administration.

Four departments have initially been proposed for the new campus Agricultural Science, Veterinary and Animal Science, Mangrove Forestry and Sustainable Forest Management and Marine Fisheries. More departments will be added gradually, he said.

The VC said the new campus will serve as a multi-disciplinary educational hub, offering Bachelor of Science (BSc) and certificate programmes for students with diplomas in agriculture-related fields. Every year, nearly 15,000 students complete diploma-level agricultural education in Bangladesh, and the campus aims to provide them access to higher studies.

"Unlike the main campus where students enroll after HSC, the Paikgachha campus will admit students after they complete diploma courses. However, the standard and quality of education will remain consistent," he added.

Located in a resource-rich coastal area, the new campus is expected to benefit the local community by expanding access to higher education and applied research.

To address the challenge of water salinity in the coastal region, the university is installing a water filtration system to ensure uninterrupted academic life for students.

"The government and the university are committed to developing the campus as a world-class institution," the VC said, expressing hope that the initiative will contribute to the overall development of the coastal region.

Initially, there was a plan to affiliate the agricultural college under Khulna University as an institute. However, that decision was revised, and it has now been officially declared KU's second campus following an administrative and academic meeting.

On January 15 this year, a KU delegation led by the Vice-Chancellor visited the site and instructed officials to expedite construction activities.

The academic session is expected to commence soon after the completion of the ongoing work, he added.

Speaking to BSS, KU Acting Public Relations Officer Joynal Farazi said the Ministry of Education had previously decided to establish an agriculture college at Paikgachha upazila with the aim of promoting education in agriculture, veterinary science, and fisheries among the youth to boost national productivity.

The specialised campus is being built between Shibbari Bridge and Alamtala and will be governed by KU upon the project's successful completion.