Around thirty-two per cent physical infrastructure development works of the under-construction Bangabandhu Novo Theatre here has already been completed creating a high hope among all concerned.

The present government has adopted the project with the main thrust of expanding knowledge about aeronautics among the people particularly the young generation side by side with building a science and technology based society.

The project titled ‘Establishment of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Novo Theatre, Rajshahi’ is being implemented on 2.30 acres of land at Shaheed AHM Kamruzzaman Central Zoo and Park in Rajshahi metropolis with an estimated cost of Taka 222.03 crore. Novo Theater Authority and Public Works Department (PWD) have been implementing the project sponsored by the Ministry of Science and Technology.

The project also aims at wiping out different type of prejudices prevailing in the society.

The project has the provision of installing different types of equipment such as planetarium with digital projector system, scientific and digital exhibits, 58D simulation theatre and telescope for the theatre.

PWD Executive Engineer Masud Rana said Taka 92.31 crore will be spent for the works of infrastructure development, sanitary and water supply and electrical installation.

The project is being implemented in phases and entire works are expected to be completed within June, 2021 successfully.

Engineer Rana said construction of an office block with a four-storey foundation is progressing fast on 47,200 square-feet plinth area at present that will create a total of 2,10,700 square-feet usable spaces including basement.

He added that the 39,500 square-feet basement will have parking spaces of 80 cars, the first floor will have office block, exhibition space and cafeteria while all the second, third and fourth floors will have office blocks, 200-seat exhibition space and 160-seat planetarium.

The project will also ensure some other requisite amenities like CCTV, 2000-KVA Power substation, 500-KVA generator, three lifts, two escalators and four elevators.

Project Director Benjamin Hembrom said the novo theatre would be a centre of excellence for science and technology education as well as entertainment in Rajshahi and entire northwest region.

He said science and technology as well as space education are a must for the new generation to make the ‘digital Bangladesh’ campaign successful by 2021.

Hembrom added that the present government under the dynamic leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is very much sincere to encourage children as well as young generations to learn science and technology more and more.