Bangladesh Agricultural University: Complete Guide
What is Bangladesh Agricultural University?
Bangladesh Agricultural University (BAU) is the country's premier public agricultural university, located in Mymensingh. Established in 1961, it is Bangladesh's third-oldest university and specializes in agricultural sciences, veterinary sciences, fisheries, and related fields.
How was BAU founded?
BAU was founded by upgrading the East Pakistan College of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry in 1961. The move was part of a broader plan to modernize education in East Pakistan. Soil scientist M Osman Ghani served as its first vice-chancellor.
What is the campus like?
BAU's scenic 1,200-acre campus sits on the banks of the Old Brahmaputra River. Designed by architect Paul Rudolph, the campus includes academic buildings, residence halls, research institutes, botanical gardens, and cultural venues like the Zainul Abedin Auditorium and Teacher Students Centre (TSC).
What facilities and resources does BAU have?
BAU has a large central library, museums (including the Agricultural Museum and Fish Museum & Biodiversity Centre), modern labs, and ten major farms. The university also hosts two national research institutes: the Bangladesh Institute of Nuclear Agriculture and the Bangladesh Fisheries Research Institute.
What academic programs and faculties are offered?
BAU has six faculties and 45 departments covering agriculture, veterinary science, animal husbandry, fisheries, agricultural economics, and engineering. It offers bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees under a semester system and is accredited by the University Grants Commission of Bangladesh.
What is student life like at BAU?
BAU offers a lively student experience with 14 halls of residence, cultural clubs, debating societies, drama and music groups, and sports facilities. The TSC serves as a hub for student activities, and national and cultural events are celebrated on campus throughout the year.
How does BAU rank globally?
BAU appears in international rankings such as Times Higher Education and US News & World Report. It is recognized for its education and research in agriculture and life sciences and is regularly listed among the top universities in Bangladesh.
How do admissions work at BAU?
Admission requires a Higher Secondary Certificate or equivalent and a competitive entrance exam. Since 2019, BAU has participated in a cluster system with other agricultural universities to streamline admissions, though debates continue over this system.