Khulna University (KU), Bangladesh
A comprehensive academic overview of Khulna University, a leading public research university in Bangladesh, established in 1991 along the Moyur River in Khulna city.
History and Establishment
First proposed in 1974 by the Kudrat-e-Khuda Commission, KU was formally founded by an act of Parliament in 1990. Academic programs began on 31 August 1991 with four disciplines: Computer Science and Engineering, Architecture, Business Administration, and Urban and Rural Planning. The university has since expanded to 29 disciplines under eight schools and one institute.
Timeline Highlights
- 1974: Recommendation for university establishment.
- 1987: Government finalized plans.
- 1989: Foundation stone laid by President Ershad.
- 1990: KU Act passed in Parliament.
- 1991: Academic activities inaugurated by PM Begum Khaleda Zia.
- 1997-2019: Multiple convocations held reflecting growth and development.
Administration and Leadership
Vice-Chancellors have included Golam Rahman (first VC), Golam Ali Fakir, S M Nazrul Islam, Jafor Reza Khan, Md Saifuddin Shah, Mohammad Fayek Uz Zaman, Mahmood Hossain, and current VC Md. Rezaul Karim.
Schools and Disciplines
SET School
- Architecture
- CSE
- ECE
- Math, Physics, Chemistry, Statistics
- Urban and Rural Planning
Life Science School
- Agrotechnology, BGE
- Environmental Science, Fisheries & Marine Resources Technology
- Forestry & Wood Technology, Pharmacy
- Soil, Water and Environment
Other Schools
- School of Management & Business Administration (BA, HRM)
- Social Science School (Economics, Development Studies, Sociology, MCJ)
- Arts and Humanities School (Bangla, English, History and Civilization)
- School of Law
- Fine Arts School (Drawing, Print-Making, Sculpture)
- Education School (Institute of Education and Research)
Academic Degrees Offered
Degrees range from Bachelor’s (BSc, BBA, BFA, LLB) to Master’s (MSc, MBA, MFA, LLM) and Doctoral (PhD) programs across all disciplines. Specialized degrees include BArch, BURP, MURP, PGDIT, and MEd.
Campus and Facilities
KU campus features academic buildings, central and departmental libraries (including Wi-Fi hotspots), a central mosque and temple, and a central gymnasium. Notable landmarks include Adamya Bangla sculpture and Kotka monument.
Student Accommodation
- Male Halls: Khan Jahan Ali Hall, Khan Bahadur Ahsanullah Hall, Birsherestho Muhammad Ruhul Amin Hall
- Female Halls: Aparajita Hall, Bijoy 24 Hall
- Two additional halls under construction.
Research and Academic Features
KU emphasizes research with specialized labs in GIS, RS, ICT, and biotech. Notable research areas include Sundarbans biodiversity, fisheries, aquaculture, coastal management, environmental science, electronics, and communication engineering. KU faculty and students participate in national and international competitions, earning awards in Olympiads and physics competitions.
Library
The central library has over 25,000 items, with reading space for 150 users, offering digital resources and internet connectivity. It is part of BANSLINK and BERNET networks for academic connectivity.
Religious Facilities
Central Mosque: A 14,500 sq ft, single-dome mosque accommodating 2,000 worshippers. Inaugurated in 2020. Central Temple: 1,100 sq ft structure inaugurated in 2020 for Hindu students, hosts Saraswati Puja and Diwali.