Message from the Founder

Europe and USA are the homes of about twenty percent of the World population. But they have been ruling the world for the last 400 years. Which has been possible due to technological superiority. Since World War-2, the World has been transformed into a global village due to scientific inventions leading to economic and social revolutions. But all the modern inventions took place in the western world. The rest of the world has been following the leading western countries in all fields of science, technology economy etc.

We are lagging behind due to lack of modern high-standard scientific education. We have institutions, but they are not manned or equipped with appropriate teachers, equipment, facilities and environment.

Establishments of private universities is a new phenomenon in Bangladesh. From 1992 to 2001 a total number of I7 private universities were allowed to enroll students. In 2002, another 37 private universities were granted permission to commence operations. The sudden opening of the large number of private universities created critical shortage of resources, especially good quality teachers, as required for modern higher education. As a result, the quality of education has suffered in Bangladesh in some cases. In a recent survey of universities throughout the world by Shanghai University, not a single university of this country could be included among the top 500 universities.

Economic development of East Pakistan, the present Bangladesh, commenced in 1961. Development budget was prepared, administration was decentralized, new universities including Technical and Agricultural Universities, were established, colleges were opened at sub-divisional and Upzila levels, High schools were established at Union levels, new industries sprang up, a network of high-ways were constructed, towns were modernized, medical colleges were opened, hospitals at Upzila levels were constructed, nrii3ria, cholera, tuberculosis and small pox were eradicated and private sector was encouraged by the government. After liberation in 1971, the administration was again centralized and socialist economy was introduced. The process of socialism was completed in 1974 after the introduction of one party system Bangladesh Krishok Sramik Awami League (BAKSAL).

After the violent change of government in 1975, the process of decentralization and dismantling of socialism started slowly. In the eighties, vigorous decentralization including Upazila Parishad, Zila Parishad and judiciary up to Upzila level was introduced. High Courts Benches were set up at six regional head quarters bringing justice nearer to the people. Privatization of commerce and industries was completed.

During the last 25 years, the latent talents of the people have been released through privatization. New industries including garment, textile, leather, iron, chemicals and medicine have been established for domestic and export markets. People have become outward-looking and are going to far off counties for employment and business. The percentage of educated people has increased sharply. New ideas, plans and activities are noticed in all spheres of life. Dhaka has become a sprawling capital city. 54 private universities were established by new entrepreneurs. 21 public universities including 8 technical Universities (including 2 Agricultural and I Livestock Universities), Textile and Leather Institutes are churning out thousands of graduates every year who are working as catalysts for the economy. The development works of the last 44 years, have provided the nation with all types of necessary infrastructures. In spite of these spectacular developments, where do we stand now in the global context?

When the world is working with robots, nanotechnology and hybrid engines, Bangladesh has been importing needles for garment industries. While developed countries have already completed gene mapping and currently conducting brain mapping, our Universities, Colleges and Research Institutions (BCSIR and Atomic Energy Commission) have no modern program and equipment. For innovation, the country needs well- educated workforce, financial backing, supportive government policies and co-operation of universities with industries in the field of technology.

To achieve the goal of modernization, the private universities, including teachers and management must have a grand vision and commitments. A modern road map to the future of the nation and next generation is required. Do we have that vision and the road map? Have we got that type of enlightened visionary and committed Teachers and researches? It needs self-analysis and soul-searching. We can try our best in the present environment and with available resources to expand the horizon further.