National University opened its regional centre in Faridpur on Thursday to make its administrative and academic activities more dynamic.

The centre was inaugurated in the morning at the new Faridpur regional campus through a formal programme, according to a press release. Local media reports also said the regional office was opened near the new bus stand area in Faridpur city to reduce difficulties faced by students and affiliated institutions.

State Minister for Foreign Affairs and Faridpur-2 lawmaker Shama Obaid Islam, Faridpur-3 lawmaker Chowdhury Nayab Yusuf Ahmed, and National University Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr ASM Amanullah inaugurated the centre by releasing balloons and pigeons.

A guard of honour was given to the chief guest and the programme chair. The national flag was also hoisted to the tune of the national anthem.

A discussion was later held at the Upazila Parishad auditorium.

Mohammad Aminul Akter, director of the Regional Centre Coordination Office of National University, delivered the welcome speech.

The programme was chaired by Professor Amanullah, while Shama Obaid Islam attended as the chief guest.

Faridpur-3 lawmaker Chowdhury Nayab Yusuf Ahmed, Faridpur-4 lawmaker Md Shahidul Islam Babul, and National University Treasurer Professor Dr ATM Zafrul Azam spoke as special guests.

Speaking at the event, Shama Obaid said the government had given importance to education in its election manifesto and remained committed to expanding quality education.

Professor Amanullah said National University was working to become a modern, technology-based and session-jam-free institution.

“The Faridpur regional centre has been added as part of efforts to simplify administrative and academic activities of affiliated colleges,” he said.

Local reports said the centre would help students, teachers and officials of colleges in the region access services such as certificate collection, information correction and education-related administrative support more easily.

Associate Professor Mohammad Shahinur Islam of the Bangla department of Government Rajendra College moderated the programme.

Senior officials of National University, principals of different colleges, local administration officials and dignitaries were present.