Independent University, Bangladesh

History

Independent University, Bangladesh was established in 1993 by A.Majeed Khan with a group of prominent intellectuals and business leaders in the country

Vice-chancellors

• Bazlul Mobin Chowdhury (1994 – 2011)
• M Omar Ejaz Rahman (2012 – 2020)
• Milan Pagon (Acting)
• Tanweer Hasan (23 February 2022 – 15 August 2024)
• Mohammad Tamim (17 December 2024 – Present)

Pro Vice-Chancellors

• Milan Pagon (2017 – 2021)
• Niaz Ahmed Khan (2021 – 2024)
• Daniel W. Lund (2025 – present)

Academic departments

The educational curriculum adheres to the North American Liberal Arts Model, with English serving as the medium of instruction. The university's departments are organized into five

schools.

School of Business and Entrepreneurship (SBE)

The School of Business and Entrepreneurship (SBE) at IUB offers undergraduate and master's degrees. SBE provides students with a variety of study, job, and intellectual development possibilities. SBE of IUB is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP).

The institution now offers nine undergraduate majors and four graduate majors. More than 4500 students attend the school, with most courses having a student-to-teacher ratio around 30:1. The courses offered by the school are transferable to any other college or university in the world.

• Department of Accounting
• Department of Economics
• Department of Finance
• Department of General Management
• Department of Human Resource Management
• Department of International Business--
• Department of Management Information Systems
• Department of Marketing

Graduate program (MBA)

The school offers an MBA degree. Students are allowed up to five years from the date of initial enrollment to complete the degree requirements. It is possible to finish the program within five semesters by taking the maximum course load, or within three semesters if students have waivers or transfer courses. Available areas of concentration are banking, finance, human resources management, and marketing.

Graduate program (EMBA)

The school also offers an EMBA degree.

Graduate program (MSc Economics)

The school also offers a Master of Science (MSc) in Economics degree. The program offers a concentration in Development Economics, International Economics, Applied Econometrics, Financial Economics and Environmental and Natural Resource Economics.

School of Engineering, Technology, and Sciences (SETS)

Undergraduate program

The school offers undergraduate programs on various majors under the Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Department of Computer Science and Engineering and Department of Physical Sciences:

• B.Sc. in Electrical & Electronic Engineering (EEE)
• B.Sc. in Electrical & Telecommunication Engineering (ETE)
• B.Sc. in Computer Science & Engineering (CSE)
• B.Sc. in Computer Science (CS)
• B.Sc. in Computer Engineering (CEN)
• B.Sc. in Physics
• B.Sc. in Mathematics

Graduate program

• M.Sc. in Computer Networks and Communications (CNC)
• M.Sc. in Telecommunication Engineering (TE)
• M.Sc. / M.Eng. in Electrical & Electronic Engineering (EEE)
• M.Sc. in Computer Science (CSC)
• M.Sc. in Software Engineering (SEN)

School of Environment and Life Sciences (SELS)

Undergraduate program

The school offers undergraduate programs on various majors under the Department of Environmental Science and Management and the Department of Life Sciences.

• Department of Environmental Science and Management:

1. B.Sc. in Environmental Science and Management

• Department of Life Sciences:

1. B.Sc. in Microbiology
2. B.Sc. in Biochemistry and Biotechnology

Graduate program

The school offers graduate programs on various majors.

School of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences (SLASS)

Undergraduate program

The school offers undergraduate programs on a rare variety including Anthropology, Sociology, Global Studies and Governance (the only program of such kind in the country), Media and Communication (Advertising, Film Studies, Journalism and Development Communication), English Literature, English Language Teaching and Law. Besides the school offers undergraduate minors on all subjects mentioned above. It also offers many foundation courses ranging from history to philosophy, art to politics, music to culture.

Graduate program

The school offers graduate programs in Development Studies, English Language Teaching, Media and Communication, and English Literature.

School of Pharmacy and Public Health (SPPH)

Undergraduate program

The school offers an undergraduate program in Pharmacy.

1. Bachelor of Pharmacy (BPharm)

Executive Master of Public Health

The school offers an executive master of Public Health.

Live-in-Field Experience (LFE)

IUB's pioneering program, Live-in-Field Experience, a 3-credit program required of all undergraduate students, provides a unique opportunity to learn about rural living. The curriculum supplements the "National Culture and Heritage" course, which covers Bangladesh's history, society, and culture.

Institutes, Centers & Cells

IUB has various institutions, centers, and Cells.

Center for Astronomy, Space Science and Astrophysics (CASSA)

CASSA is a research center at Independent University, Bangladesh (IUB), founded by astronomer Khan Asad. It operates independently from individual schools and departments, coordinates educational activities, and engages in public outreach. CASSA is composed of Core Members in astronomy or theoretical physics, and Associate Members from various subjects, postdocs, and astronomy and astrophysics faculty members working in countries outside Bangladesh.

International Centre for Climate Change and Development (ICCCAD)

The International Centre for Climate Change and Development (ICCCAD) is a premier research and capacity-building organization in Bangladesh focusing on climate change and development. ICCCAD's goal is to create a world-class institution that is directly linked to local experience, expertise, and research in one of the countries most affected by climate change.

Center for Computational and Data Sciences (CCDS)

The Center for Computational and Data Sciences at Independent University, Bangladesh (IUB) has over 240 publications, 8 research assistants, and two foreign collaborations. It actively collaborates with international academic institutions to improve research quality and worldwide effect. With more than 20 alumni in Ph.D. and MS programs overseas, the center prepares students for higher study and research professions. Its considerable annual budget of more than 8 million BDT supports ambitious research initiatives and resources, indicating its dedication to a growing research environment.

Center for Industrial Automation Robotics & Internet of Things (RIoT )

A multidisciplinary academic laboratory at Independent University, Bangladesh (IUB), focusing on Smart System Design, Artificial Intelligence Driven Medical Imaging, Cyber Security, Internet of Things (IoT), Process Automation, and Robotics. Specialized in the design and development of process automation software.

Centre for Bay of Bengal Studies (CBOBS)

The Center for Bay of Bengal Studies, established by the Independent University in Bangladesh in 2020, aims to become a leading hub of knowledge and research on the Bay of Bengal, with core goals of promoting deep research on environmental and ecological issues, improving the sustainability of the blue economy, and fostering collaboration among scholars, practitioners, and policymakers, as well as developing an epistemic community focused on the Bay of Bengal region.

Centre for Social Science Research (CSSR)

The Centre for Social Science Research (CSSR) at Independent University, Bangladesh is a hub for social science research and analysis. It desires to promote critical thinking, innovative research, and involvement in important social concerns.

English Language Resource Center (ELRC)

The ELRC provides a variety of learning and teaching resources, such as an Online Language Support Hub providing access to online language materials.

Fab Lab IUB

Fab Lab IUB is a sub-project of HEQEP under the University Grants Commission of Bangladesh that aims to democratize fabrication technology while also enabling learning, training, and access to fabrication tools. The purpose is to cultivate and support the local maker community while encouraging broad thinking. The team is committed to good administration, mentoring, and innovation, and includes a devoted group of students and faculty members. The lab changes into a community makerspace that provides training, workshops, conferences, and make-a-thons to help the community thrive. Initially, UGC's Fab Lab IUB was named the best HEQEP sub-project.

Green Energy Research Center (GERC)

The Green Energy Research Center (GERC) at Independent University, Bangladesh, established in 2014, is a research facility focused on renewable energy technologies and sustainable solutions. It uses advanced equipment like solar panels and inverters for experiments and data analysis. The center collaborates with local industries like Rahimafrooz, Energypac Electronics Ltd., contributing to Bangladesh's energy security and sustainable development goals.

Institutional Quality Assurance Cell (IQAC)

IUB's Institutional Quality Assurance Cell (IQAC) reports directly to the Vice Chancellor. The cell also receives direction and advice from the Quality Assurance Unit (QAU) of Bangladesh's University Grants Commission (UGC). IQAC acts as the link between academic units and degree-granting bodies via Self-Assessment (SA) Committees, facilitating their contact with the Bangladesh Accreditation Council.

Kazi Nazrul Islam and Abbasuddin Ahmed Research and Study Center (KNIAARSC)

KNIAARSC, founded by IUB in 2012, honors national poet Kazi Nazrul Islam and folk singer Abbasuddin Ahmed. It encourages liberal principles such as equality, freedom, pluralism, and tolerance. The Centre offers events and conducts research to promote patriotism and humanism. It focuses on liberal arts, incorporating literature, music, and cultural heritage into schooling. KNIAARSC is led by Ahmed Ahsanuzaman, with Niaz Zaman serving as an advisor.

Sasheen Center for Multilingual Excellence (SCMLE)

The Center for Multilingual Excellence is for developing a linguistically varied academic culture that creates globally competent graduates while also promoting language and cultural diversity, both locally and internationally. It acts as an umbrella organization for learning global languages, encouraging intercultural communication, and protecting endangered languages through research, innovation, and community engagement.

King Sejong Institute (KSI)

The King Sejong Institute (KSI) at Independent University, Bangladesh (IUB) is a language school that teaches the Korean language. The South Korean government built a global network of KSIs to promote the Korean language and culture.

Notable faculty members

• Niaz Zaman (academic)
• Mustafa Zaman Abbasi (musicologist)
• Shah M. Faruque (microbiologist)
• Mohammad A. Arafat (former minister of state for information and broadcasting)
• J. M. A. Hannan (pharmacologist)
• Saleemul Huq (climatologist)
• Enamul Haque (musicologist, Ekushey Padak and Independence Day Award recipient)
• Niaz Ahmed Khan ( former Pro VC, 30th vice-chancellor of University of Dhaka)
• Zakir Hossain Raju (Film Scholar, Member of the Bangladesh Film Certification Board)

Demographics

Campus

The IUB campus spans across 3.2 acres, featuring an amphitheater and laboratories dedicated to life, environmental, and social sciences, as well as engineering. The infrastructure includes 95 multimedia classrooms, equipped for both physical and online classes. Accommodations are provided in the form of a dormitory for female students from outside Dhaka and a guest house for visiting scholars.

Facilities

Academic Facilities

• Classrooms

• Laboratories

• Library

• Digital Meeting Room

Sports and Recreational Facilities:

• Gymnasiums
• Squash Court
• Sports Complex
• Yoga and Self-Defense Studios
• Outdoor Facilities (football field, cricket ground, and basketball court)

Other Facilities:

• Auditorium
• Food Court and Cafeteria
• Student Center
• Health Center
• Transportation Services

Swimming Pool

The swimming pool at IUB is an overflow-type pool measuring 32 feet by 56 feet with a depth ranging from 3.5 feet to 5.5 feet. It features filtration and heating systems for cleanliness and warmth. The pool area includes changing rooms and showers for swimmers. The pool is part of the IUB squash court and fitness center, which offers cardio and strength training equipment. The pool is open to all IUB students, faculty, and staff, as well as the public, with membership options available. The pool offers swimming classes and programs for all ages and skill levels, including lessons for beginners and advanced swimmers, as well as water aerobics classes. The pool is also used for various events, including intercollegiate swimming competitions, intramural sports events, and aquatics clinics.

Library

Established in 1992 within a single room in a rented residence at Banani, Dhaka, the IUB Library received an initial donation of 160 volumes of books from A. Majeed Khan, the founder president and president emeritus of IUB. Driven by a commitment to learning and discovery, the library quickly expanded, moving to larger spaces at House number 8, Road 10, Baridhara, Dhaka, in 1993, and later to two floors of a rented house on Baridhara's Road 14, House number 5, in 1998.

The IUB Library, spanning over 22360 square feet, is dedicated to providing information related to the university's curriculum and services. Its collections include books, periodicals, university catalogs, newspapers, audiocassettes, video cassettes, DVDs/CDs, and data disks. Users can access around 30,000 printed books and 2617 audio-visual materials, as well as 25,000 online journals, 250,000 e-books, and 13 national daily newspapers in Bangla and English. The library has utilized the latest information technology to improve services and operational efficiency, automating catalog searches and returns. The library's resources are broadly categorized into sixteen areas: Art, Culture, History, Business, Chemistry and Physics, Communication, Computer science, Economics, Education, Engineering, Environment Management, Health and Population, Language and Literature, Mathematics and Statistics, Political Science and Public Administration, Science: General, and Social Science.

Accommodation

IUB provides a secure dormitory to accommodate female students arriving from locations outside Dhaka, as well as foreign students. Additionally, a guesthouse is available to host visiting scholars.

Rankings

641– 660 ( Asia) | QS_Asia_year = 2024 | QS_Asia_ref =

In the latest Times Higher Education Interdisciplinary Science Rankings 2025, IUB is placed in the 401-500 bracket globally and ranked fifth among all public and private universities in the country and AD scientific Index 2024, IUB ranked joint top among all private universities and 3rd among all public and private institutions in Bangladesh. In the 2024 QS World University Rankings, IUB achieved a ranking of 1001–1500 globally and 641– 660 on Asian university rankings and 195 on Southern Asia.

Gallery

File:Independent University,Bangladesh.jpg File:Independent University,Bangladesh building.jpg File:IUB basketball ground.jpg File:IUB Swimming pool.jpg File:IUB MULTIMEDIA ROOM.jpg File:IUB AUDITORIUM.jpg File:IUB Arena 3.jpg

Notable people

Alumni

• Mishu Sabbir, actor
• Nazifa Tushi, actress
• Jannatul Ferdous Oishee, model and actress
• Nishita Barua, singer
• Shirin Akter Shila, model
• Ziaul Roshan, actor
• Rafsan TheChotoBhai, youtuber
• Sadia Khalid Reeti, journalist, film critic

References

• The content of this article is based on its Bangla equivalent on Bangla Wikipedia.

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