BU will offer Postgraduate Programs in Disaster Management from Fall Semester (September), 2005. A launching session for the programs was held at BU on July 27, 2005. Professor J R Choudhury VC BU addressed an audience consisting of representatives of International Organizations and NGOs, academics and professionals involved in Disaster Management, mentioning the need to have trained professionals in this field in a disaster-prone country such as Bangladesh. The programs will be hosted by the Department of Architecture, and its Chairperson Professor Fuad Mallick highlighted the national significance of this educational curriculum. Dr. Iftekhar Ahmed, Program Coordinator presented the curriculum structure and the various modules of study. Oxfam-GB has provided financial and other support to the Programs and CIDA has provided a scholarship fund. The courses of study are the first of its kind being offered in the region.