Chittagong University of Engineering and Technology (CUET) is one of the few institutions that has been playing a groundbreaking role in the advancement of higher education, science and technology in Bangladesh. By producing skilled engineers, researchers and technologists, the institution has not only brightened the image of Bangladesh in the industrial development of the country but also in the international arena. The appointment of Professor Dr. Abu Sadat Muhammad Sayem as the new Vice Chancellor of that traditional institution is undoubtedly a historic and significant event. His appointment through the notification issued by the Ministry of Education on the orders of His Excellency the President is not just an administrative decision; rather, it is a true recognition of the long-standing dedication, hard work and success of a talented teacher, international standard researcher, honest administrator and patriotic engineer. The CUET family, alumni, researchers, teachers and the engineering community of the country are hopeful to see the beginning of a new golden chapter of the university under his leadership. The dream of touching the sky with the power of roots Professor Dr. Abu Sadat Muhammad Sayem was born on October 26, 1980, in a noble and education-loving Muslim family in the traditional Naikhain village of Patiya Upazila of Chittagong. His father, the late Haji Muhammad Abdullah, was a former deputy tax officer of the Chittagong City Corporation and his mother, Haji Chemon Ara Begum, was an ideal, loving and inspiring mother. Family education, honesty, morality and human values have formed the foundation of his personality. Since childhood, he was talented, diligent and a dreamer. At every stage of his educational career, he has proven that if hard work, honesty and confidence are combined with talent, then success is bound to come one day. From a student of CUET to Vice-Chancellor of CUET After studying in the Department of Mechanical Engineering of CUET, he started teaching as a lecturer in the same department in 2005. This journey from a young teacher to a professor, researcher, administrator and today to the highest administrative position of the university is a unique example of perseverance, dedication and honesty. In his nearly twenty-two years of teaching career, he has become known as a favorite teacher of thousands of students. Teaching is not just about completing the curriculum for him; rather, his main goal is to develop creativity, research spirit, human values and world-class thinking among students. Bangladesh is proud of world-class research. Professor Dr. Sayem’s research scope is very broad and timely. His long-standing research in the most important research fields in the world today—STEM and Innovation, Clean and Sustainable Energy, Renewable Energy, Green Hydrogen Production and Storage, De-carbonization, Energy Conversion Systems, Waste to Energy, Biofuel, Biodiesel and Climate Change—has been praised in the international arena. His research papers have been published in many reputable domestic and foreign journals. His research is not only theoretical; it is playing an effective role in solving real problems in industry, environment, energy security and sustainable development. His work on the future of modern technology and environmentally friendly energy has further enriched Bangladesh’s research in the world. Not a luxury of foreign countries, but a commitment to building the future of the country
For higher education, he completed his master’s degree from Hokkaido University in Japan and his PhD from Central Queensland University in Australia. After completing his PhD, he got the opportunity to work as a mechanical design engineer in a renowned mining company in Australia. While many people consider high salaries and luxurious life abroad as their ultimate success, Professor Dr. Sayem chose a different path. He returned to his homeland, to his university. Because he believes that the true value of a teacher is not in his own achievements, but in the success of his students. He rightly said, “I might have achieved a lot for myself from abroad. But if my achievements are not useful to the students, if I cannot do anything for the university that introduced me, then where is the value of those achievements?” These words are not just the feelings of a teacher; they are the language of the soul of a patriotic person.
A master builder of students’ dreams, Professor Dr. Sayem is not just a classroom teacher; he is a skilled consultant, research leader, and inspiring guardian. Under his guidance, countless students have received opportunities for higher education in various universities around the world. Many have established themselves as researchers, teachers, and engineers in international institutions. No student ever leaves his classroom disappointed—this is what many of his former and current students say. He believes that the greatest identity of a teacher is the success of his students.
Skilled administrator and visionary leader In addition to research and teaching, he has also demonstrated extraordinary skills in administrative duties. He is currently the Head of the Department of Petroleum and Mining Engineering. He has also served as the President of the CUET Teachers’ Association and has successfully led various important committees of the university. One of the characteristics of his leadership is transparency, accountability, teamwork, punctuality and future-oriented planning. These qualities have established him as a successful administrator. New expectations in new leadership
Today, CUET is facing new challenges of international rankings
Author: Kamal Uddin, Deputy Editor, The Tourist