Sirajganj: Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Friday laid the foundation stone of Rabindra University, an institution named after Nobel Laureate Biswakobi Rabindranath Tagore, marking the great poet’s 154^th birth anniversary.

The Prime Minister laid the Foundation stone of the university from Shahzadpur Pilot High School Ground fulfilling the long-cherished demand of the people of this region.

From the same venue, she also inaugurated the Regional Passport Office, Sirajganj, upgradation of Sirajganj 150MW gas turbine power plant to 225 MW combined cycle one, Institute of Marine Technology, District Registers Office and Sheikh Russell Poura Children’s Park, Sirajganj.

Sheikh Hasina also laid the foundation stone of Sirajganj 225 MW Combined Cycle Power Plant (2^nd unit).

A special prayer was offered on the occasion seeking continued peace, progress and development of the country.

The Rabindra University is expected to play a very significant role in promoting research and practice on Bangla Literature and works of Rabindranath as well as expanding higher education in the region.

The people of Shahzadpur had staged several demonstrations in the past, including rallies, processions and human chains, to realise their long-standing demand for setting up Rabindra University in Shahzadpur.

To fulfill their demand, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in a meeting at Sirajganj University College ground earlier had pledged to establish the university.

Now, to fulfill her pledge, the Prime Minister decided on laying the foundation stone of Rabindra University in Shahzadpur on Pachishey Baishakh, the 154^th birth anniversary of the Nobel Laureate poet.

It may be mentioned that Tagore had written several poems when he stayed at Shahzadpur Kachharibari. Besides, there are several memorabilia of the poet, at Kachharibari museum. To honour his association with Shahzadpur, the government has undertaken the initiative to establish the university after his name.

Locals said the Kachharibari had a special significance in Tagore’s life. He used to come and stay here, between 1890 and 1896, to look after his zamindari, and wrote many poems at that time.