Sixteen years after its establishment, Gopalganj Science and Technology University (GSTU) is still struggling with a severe housing crisis, with only 23.18% of its students able to secure accommodation in residential halls.
Of the 9,320 students, only 2,160 live in its five residential halls, while the remaining 7,160, or 76.82%, have to stay in rented houses and messes around the campus.
According to the university’s public relations office, academic activities are being conducted in 33 departments under nine faculties. Student enrolment has increased every year, but residential capacity has not grown accordingly.
Bijoy Dibosh Hall has 400 seats, Swadhinata Dibosh Hall 362, Shaheed Titumir Hall 608, Banalata Hall 340 and Aparajita Hall 450. Together, the five halls can accommodate 2,160 students.
Students say living outside campus has increased their financial burden due to rent, food and transport costs. They also complain of high rents, poor living conditions and various restrictions imposed by mess owners.
Female students face additional security concerns when returning to their residences after evening activities on campus.
Labiba Tasfia, a non-residential student of the sociology department, said fewer than 800 seats are available for female students and one female hall is yet to become fully operational. “Many of us are forced to stay in messes or rented houses outside campus. This creates additional financial pressure and security concerns,” she said, urging the authorities to complete the unfinished hall and build new ones.
Redowan Islam Siam, a non-residential student of the economics department, said the crisis was particularly difficult for students from lower- and middle-income families.
Associate Professor Dr Mohammad Asaduzzaman Khan, provost of Swadhinata Dibosh Hall, said the number of seats was far below demand. “Building three more halls for male students and two for female students could significantly reduce the crisis,” he said.
Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr Sohel Hasan said it was unfortunate that only about 23% of students currently had residential facilities. “We have applied for an academic building, an auditorium, a male hall and a female hall. The University Grants Commission has responded positively,” he said.
He added that a Tk253 crore second-phase project has been pending since 2024. Completing the project would provide accommodation for around 100 more female students. The university hopes to complete the ongoing works by 2027 and begin new projects afterwards.
