Bridging work and study

The Computer Science and Engineering (CSE) Department of NSU is acting upon their vision in educating students through the introduction of new programs, research groups and other features needed to create a dynamic Information Technology (IT) workforce for the nation.

The signing ceremony was held at the University premises on February 9, where Dr Hafiz Siddiqui, vice chancellor of NSU and Christian Rene Looten, country senior officer of Alcatel, signed the MoU on behalf of their respective institutions.

According to the MoU, Alcatel will provide their journals and newsletters to the University. Alcatel will also provide the university with a link through which the Alcatel Virtual University can be accessed.

The company will participate in different IT and Telecom seminars and events organised by the University as well as invite students from the university to similar events organised by Alcatel.

The company will also offer internships for NSU students, contribute toward NSU's video learning libraries, and update students through presentations on latest IT and telecommunication developments. The company will provide NSU with technical support and knowledge to set up high tech telecommunication lab.

Both NSU and Alcatel will work on programs toward the readiness of Bangladesh for the anticipated submarine cable network and other ICT related technological infusions.

NSU faculty members will aid Alcatel at developing project concept papers. The company will also sponsor researches and work with NSU for European Union funded ICT projects.

NSU and Alcatel expects to materialise the aforementioned within a short period of time.

With the MoU as an added advantage, the CSE department has plans for other developments that will facilitate the institution and thus the nation as a whole in the long run. Already, the department has issued tenders to set up two new Telecommunication and Wireless Local Area Network Laboratories.

"Apart rom the 14 existing laboratories, which include Digital, Networking, Programming, Database, Microprocessor and Basic Electronics lab, the new additions will have state-of-the-art equipment," said Dr Miftahur Rahman, chairman of NSU's CSE department, while discussing the new developments.

The new laboratories have become a necessity since the launch of programmes like Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering and Bachelor of Science in Electronics and Telecommunication Engineering in September 2002 and May 2004, respectively.

The Department is currently awaiting approval from higher authorities on setting up a Center for Information and Communication Technology (CICT) which will facilitate the future nation-builders and the country as a whole.

The proposed CICT will have 5 sectors which would have a CICT Education, Training and Research Service, a CISCO Academy, a Software Development Center, a Hi-Tech Chip development Structure and a Plastic Design Technology.

"Using the proposed CICT, both the academia and concerned industries will benefit through research and innovation, training and education, technology transfer and job creation," mentioned the chairman.

Research groups on Control and Robotics are being formed to encourage students from CSE background. The efforts of the North South University Computer Club (NSUCC) on organising different annual events like Techno Fun Fair, Softfair and others need to be commended as well.

"Being the first private university of this nation, we feel that it is our responsibility to pave the way for drastic and meaningful developments for the increasing number of institutions," said Rahman.

Dr. Souheil Marine, manager, Digital Bridge and Shajel Qureshi, manager, Market-Business Development Department of Alcatel and Dr. SAM Khairul Bashar, pro-vice chancellor, other faculty members and students of the university were present during the ceremony.