Noakhali Science and Technology University Struggles With Waterlogging
Noakhali Science and Technology University faces severe waterlogging issues due to the lack of a central drainage system, even after 21 years since its establishment. Students and teachers report constant suffering as minor rains submerge campus roads, residential halls, and academic buildings.
Students and teachers at Noakhali Science and Technology University (NSTU) continue to face severe difficulties due to persistent waterlogging on the campus, caused entirely by the absence of a proper central drainage system. Even after completing 21 years since its official establishment, the institution still lacks this essential infrastructure, leaving the campus vulnerable to flooding whenever it rains. Confirmed reports from the university indicate that even minor rainfall is enough to cause significant water accumulation across various vital areas, heavily disrupting normal daily academic and residential life.
The impact of this infrastructure failure is clearly visible across multiple key locations within the university premises. Whenever it rains, water quickly inundates the campus roads, the main sports playground, several important residential halls including Bibi Khadija Hall and Abdul Malek Ukil Hall, and the surrounding areas of major academic facilities such as the Department of Economics, the Department of Software Engineering, and the Department of Political Science. This recurring problem creates immense movement challenges for everyone who relies on walking or cycling through the campus grounds on a daily basis.
Members of the university community have strongly voiced their frustrations regarding the ongoing situation and the perceived inaction of the authorities. Subrata Dey, a member of the university community, pointed out the long-standing neglect by stating, "Even though 21 years have passed since our establishment, our university still does not have any central drainage system." Echoing these concerns, Mufasshel Hossain explained the health hazards involved, noting, "As the drainage system in the campus is not proper, waterlogging is created by a little rain, which leads to the possibility of many people getting waterborne diseases." Furthermore, Mahmudul Haque Omi criticized the administration's disconnect from ground realities, remarking, "The administration does not walk on foot, they always move around in cars. Therefore, our suffering from waterlogging does not catch their eyes."
In response to the mounting complaints and the severe daily disruptions faced by the students and faculty members, the university administration has addressed the issue. Professor Dr. Golam Rabbani, the Vice-Chancellor of Noakhali Science and Technology University, acknowledged the gravity of the situation and outlined future remedial measures. He stated that it is indeed a matter of sorrow that the university does not have a good water drainage system even after so many years of its existence. However, Professor Dr. Golam Rabbani reassured the university community by announcing that work on a 50-year master plan for the university is currently underway, and a central drainage system has been specifically included within this upcoming comprehensive plan.
