Jahangirnagar University, also known as JU, is one of the best public universities with full accommodation of students in Bangladesh. It is situated on the western side of the Asian Highway (Dhaka-Aricha Highway) at Savar, 32 km from the capital Dhaka. Although the university was established in 1970, its full operation started in 1972.
In 1970, authority bestowed by the Jahangirnagar Muslim University Ordinance Pakistan Government established it. However, after the independence of Bangladesh, university name was amended to Jahangirnagar University.
Jahangirnagar University offers undergraduate and graduate programs in various disciplines, including arts, humanities, social science, natural science, business studies, and engineering. The university has created many vibrant alumni over the years.
Many of us have keen interest to know about Jahangirnagr University which is enriched with captivating natural beauty and enchanting environment of the campus. This university is featured with different academic and student centric attributes. Keep reading this article to learn more about one of the most beautiful universities in Bangladesh.
History of Jahangirnagar University
In April 1970, the process of establishing the university under the 'Jahangirnagar Muslim University Ordinance 1970' started and Prof. Surat Ali Khan was appointed as the Project Director.
On September 24, 1970, Mofizuddin Ahmed, a member of the Pakistan Central Work Commission and a professor in the Chemistry Department of Dhaka University, was appointed as the Vice-Chancellor. It was decided to start its activities as a science university with 5 faculties namely arts and humanities, social sciences, biology, basic sciences, and applied sciences, but later the education program started with only 4 departments under the faculty of social sciences. The departments are Economics, Geography, Statistics and Mathematics. Bengali and English remain unimportant. In the beginning, the number of students in 4 departments was 150 and the number of teachers was 21. Professor Malik Khosru Chowdhury was the first Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences. 2 professors from the Department of Chemistry and Physical Science were assigned to open the new department.
The education program started with bachelor programs with 150 students in 4 departments. The first class started on January 4, 1971. However, it was officially inaugurated on 12th January 1971 under the Jahangirnagar Muslim University Ordinance, 1970. The then Governor of East Pakistan and Vice-Chancellor of the University, Rear Admiral SM Ahsan, inaugurated this university. Till 1973 the university was run as a project. That year the Jahangirnagar University Act was passed amending the Jahangirnagar Muslim University Ordinance 1970. At present the university is governed by the 'Jahangirnagar University Act, 1973'.
Initially, it was named Jahangirnagar Muslim University. However, after the independence of Bangladesh, its name changed to Jahangirnagar University under the Jahangirnagar University Act 1973.
Institute at a Glance
Former name: Jahangirnagar Muslim University ( 1970-1971)
Type: Public University, Co-educational
Established: 20 August 1970 (53 years ago)
Location: Savar, Dhaka, Bangladesh
23.8825°N 90.2482°E
Campus: Rural, 697 acres
Governed By: The Jahangirnagar University Act, 1973
Academic Year: 1st July to 30th June
Accreditation: Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU)
Affiliation: University Grants Commission (UGC)
Budget: US$31.88 million
279.13 Crore BD(2022)
Chancellor: President Mohammed Shahabuddin
Vice-Chancellor: Md Nurul Alam
Pro Vice-Chancellor: Professor Sheikh Md. Monzurul Huq (Administration)
Professor Mohammed Mostafa Feeroz (Academic)
Treasurer: Professor Dr. Rasheda Akhtar
Registrar: Md. Abu Hasan (acting)
Academic Staff: 836
Administrative staff: 2018
Students: 17212+
Undergraduates 10,788+
Postgraduates 2,235+
Doctoral students 1,962+
Language: English and Bengali
Academic Departments: 36
Halls: 16 (8 for male students and 8 for female students)
Nickname: জাবি; JU
Colors: White and Sky Blue
Institutes: Institute of Islamic Education and Research (IIER)
E-mail: registrar@juniv.edu
Website: https://juniv.edu
Campus Location:
The university stands on the west side of the Asian Highway, popularly known as the Dhaka-Aricha Road, and is 32 kilometers away from the capital. Spread over an area of 697.56 acres (2.8 km2), the campus is surrounded by the Bangladesh Public Administration Training Centre (BPATC) on the south, and the Savar Cantonment on the northeast, on the north of which is the National Monument (Jatiyo Smriti Soudho) and a large dairy farm on the east. JU is considered the most beautiful university in Bangladesh. It is the fourth oldest generalized public university in Bangladesh. Also, it has the fourth-largest university campus in Bangladesh.
Logo:
The badge of the university bears the civic annual ‘white lily’ (Lilium condidu) with three petals belted by strips of an acceptable floral architecture with the name of the university in Bangla ensconcing in a semi-circle like a band of flowers.
JU Vision:
Promoting and advancing world-class higher education in the university is the vision of Jahangirnagar University.
JU Mission:
Jahangirnagar University conducts its educational program with three missions in mind. They are:
• Creating skilled and trained human resources through enhancing the quality of higher education in the University , technology-based education, communication with the outside world, and expanding national and international collaboration and research activities.
• Contributing to Vision 2041 by ensuring education with the spirit of liberation war and playing a functional role in raising the standard of higher education in Bangladesh to the international level.
• Ensuring quality advanced higher education for all classes of citizens irrespective of religion, caste, creed, and gender.
List of VC’s:
The list of the vice-chancellors of Jahangirnagar University is given below.
1. Dr. Mafizuddin Ahmed (1970–1972)
2. Prof. Syed Ali Ahsan (1972–1975)
3. Dr. Muhammad Enamul Haq (1975–1976)
4. Prof. Zillur Rahman Siddiqui (1976–1984)
5. Prof. Mohammad Noman (1988)
6. Prof. Kazi Saleh Ahmed (1988–1993)
7. Prof. Dr. Amirul Islam Chowdhury (1993–1994)
8. Prof. Alauddin Ahammad (1998–1999)
9. Prof. Abdul Bayes (1999–2001)
10. Prof. Dr. Jasim Uddin (2001–2004)
11. Prof. Khondokar Mustahidur Rahman (2004–2007)
12. Prof. Muhammad Muniruzzaman (2009)
13. Prof. Dr. Shariff Enamul Kabir (2010–2012)
14. Prof. Dr. M. Anwar Hossain (2012–2014)
15. Prof. Dr. M A Matin (January 23, 2014 – March 2, 2014)
16. Prof. Dr. Farzana Islam (2014–2022)
17. Prof. Dr. Md Nurul Alam (2022–present)
Academic Faculty/ Institute/ Departments:
There are 36 departments under 06 faculties in Jahangirnagar University. Dean acts as the administrative head of any faculty. Chairman is the top management of any department.
Faculty of Mathematical and Physical Sciences
Faculty of Mathematical and Physical Sciences conducted 08 departments.
• Department of Physics
• Department of Chemistry
• Department of Computer Science and Engineering
• Department of Environmental Sciences
• Department of Geological Sciences
• Department of Mathematics
• Department of Statistics
Faculty of Social Sciences
There are 06 departments under the Faculty of Social Sciences. They are -
• Department of Anthropology
• Department of Economics
• Department of Geography and Environment
• Department of Government and Politics
• Department of Public Administration
• Department of Urban and Regional Planning
Faculty of Arts and Humanities
Faculty of Mathematical and Physical Sciences conducted 09 departments. The names are given below.
• Department of Archaeology
• Department of Bangla
• Department of English
• Department of Drama and Dramatics
• Department of Fine Arts
• Department of History
• Department of International Relations
• Department of Journalism and Media Studies
• Department of Philosophy
Faculty of Biological Sciences
There are 07 departments under the faculty of Biological Sciences. The list is here.
• Department of Botany
• Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
• Department of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering
• Department of Microbiology
• Department of Pharmacy
• Department of Public Health and Informatics
• Department of Zoology
Faculty of Business Studies
Faculty of Business Studies comprised of the following 04 departments.
• Department of Accounting and Information Systems
• Department of Finance and Banking
• Department of Marketing
• Department of Management Studies
Faculty of Law
With the supervision of the Faculty of Law, only one department is in existence now.
• Department of Law and Justice
Institutes:
• Institute of Business Administration
• Institute of Information Technology
• Institute of Remote Sensing and GIS (provides post-graduate degrees)
• Bangabandhu Institute of Comparative Literature and Culture
Degrees offered by Jahangirnagar University
Jahangirnagar University offers undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in all 36 subjects under 06 faculty. They also offer M.Phil and Ph.D. degrees but for some selected subjects only.
Faculty of Mathematical and Physical Sciences
• Physics: BSc. (Hons.), MSc., M.Phil, PhD
• Chemistry: BSc. (Hons.), MSc., M.Phil, PhD
• Computer Science and Engineering: BSc. (Hons.), MSc., M.Phil, PhD
• Department of Environmental Sciences: BSc. (Hons.), MSc., M.Phil, PhD
• Geological Sciences: BSc. (Hons.), MSc., M.Phil, PhD
• Mathematics: BSc. (Hons.), MSc., M.Phil, PhD
• Statistics: BSc. (Hons.), MSc., M.Phil, PhD
Faculty of Social Sciences
• Anthropology: BSS (Hons.), MSS, M.Phil, PhD
• Economics: BSS (Hons.), MSS, M.Phil, PhD
• Geography and Environment: BSS (Hons.), MSS, M.Phil, PhD
• Government and Politics: BSS (Hons.), MSS, M.Phil, PhD
• Public Administration: BSS (Hons.), MSS, M.Phil, PhD
• Urban and Regional Planning: BURP, MURP, M.Phil, PhD
Faculty of Arts and Humanities
• Archaeology: B.A (Hons.), M.A, M.Phil, Ph.D
• Bangla: B.A (Hons.), M.A, M.Phil, Ph.D
• English: B.A (Hons.), M.A, M.Phil, Ph.D
• Drama and Dramatics: B.A (Hons.), M.A, M.Phil, Ph.D
• Fine Arts: BFA (Hons.), MFA
• History: B.A (Hons.), M.A, M.Phil, Ph.D
• International Relations: B.A (Hons.), M.A, M.Phil, Ph.D
• Journalism and Media Studies: B.A (Hons.), M.A, M.Phil, Ph.D
• Philosophy: B.A (Hons.), M.A, M.Phil, Ph.D
Faculty of Biological Sciences
• Botany: B.Sc (Hons.), M.Sc, M.Phil, Ph.D
• Biochemistry and Molecular Biology: B.Sc (Hons.), M.Sc, M.Phil, Ph.D
• Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering: B.Sc (Hons.), M.Sc, M.Phil, Ph.D
• Microbiology: B.Sc (Hons.), M.Sc, M.Phil, Ph.D
• Pharmacy: B.Pharm (Hons.), M.Pharm, M.Phil, Ph.D
• Public Health and Informatics: B.Sc (Hons.), M.Sc, M.Phil, Ph.D
• Zoology: B.Sc (Hons.), M.Sc, M.Phil, Ph.D
Faculty of Business Studies
• Accounting and Information Systems: BBA, MBA
• Finance and Banking: BBA, MBA
• Marketing: BBA, MBA, M.Phil, Ph.D
• Management Studies: BBA, MBA, M.Phil, Ph.D
Faculty of Law
• Law and Justice: L.L.B, L.L.M
Institute of Business Administration
• IBA-JU: M.Phil, Ph.D
Institute of Information Technology
• IIT: M.Phil, Ph.D
Institute of Remote Sensing and GIS
• Remote Sensing and GIS: M.Phil, Ph.D
Bangabandhu Institute of Comparative Literature and Culture
• Comparative Literature and Culture: M.Phil, Ph.D
Residential Halls
Jahangirnagar University is the only university in Bangladesh that provides full residential accommodation for every student. There are 16 residential halls (08 for male students and 08 for female students) and the new 06 are ready to inaugurate. Every hall is equipped with modern facilities like a playground, room for indoor games, dining halls, etc. A provost supervises the administration system of a hall.
Halls for male students
• Al Beruni Hall: It is the oldest dormitory on the campus. It is named after the great scientist Abū Rayḥān al-Bīrūnī. It has an extension building.
• Mir Mosharrof Hossain Hall: It is named after the novelist Mir Mosharraf Hossain.
• A. F. M. Kamaluddin Hall: This hall is named after one of the ex-vice-chancellors of Jahangirnagar University A.F.M. Kamaluddin, a geographer, who died prematurely.
• Shaheed Salam Barkat Hall: The name of the hall is a tribute to Salam and Barkat, the two language martyrs of the Bengali Language Movement.
• Maulana Bhashani Hall: This hall is named after the great leader Maulana Abdul Hamid Khan Bhashani.
• Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Hall: The hall is named after the first President of Bangladesh, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.
• Shahid Rafiq Jabbar Hall: The name of the hall is another tribute to Rafiq and Jabbar, the two language martyrs of the Bengali Language Movement.
• Bishwakabi Rabindranath Tagore Hall: The hall is named after Kobiguru Rabindranath Tagore.
Halls for female students
• Nawab Faizunnesa Hall: It is named after the educator Nawab Faizunnesa Choudhurani .
• Fajilatunnesa Hall: The name of this hall came from the first Bengali female graduate in mathematics from the University of Calcutta.
• Jahanara Imam Hall: It is named after ‘Shaheed Jasnani’ Jahanara Imam.
• Pritilata Hall: The name of this hall came from Pritilata Waddedar, who was Bengal's First Woman Martyr.
• Begum Khaleda Zia Hall: One female students hall is named after Khaleda Zia, former prime minister of Bangladesh
• Sheikh Hasina Hall: Another female students hall is named after Sheikh Hasina, prime minister of Bangladesh.
• Sufia Kamal Hall: The inspiration for naming this hall came from Kobi Sufia Kamal, a famous poet and political activist.
• Bangamata Begum Fazilatunnesa Mujib Hall: The name of the hall is named after Sheikh Fazilatunnesa Mujib, first lady to the first President of Bangladesh, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman
Monuments and Sculptures
Shaheed Minar
Jahangirnagar University has the tallest Shaheed Minar in Bangladesh. The 71-feet-tall Shaheed Minar on its campus is to commemorate Language Movement martyrs. It has three 71-foot tall pillars that form a triangle on top of a 52-foot long brick-built base. The length of the base signifies the importance of the year 1952 in the Language Movement. The 8 stairs are the 8 significant years of development of Bangladesh - 1947, 1952, 1954, 1962, 1966, 1969, 1970, and 1971 the three pillars represent Bengali language-literature-culture and the other two are soil and people and freedom-sovereignty-economic liberation and democratic spirit.
Shongsoptok
Jahangirnagar University’s ‘Shongshoptok’ is a commemorative sculpture of the Bangladesh Liberation War. This sculpture is located in front of the Central Library. Its architect is artist Hamiduzzaman Khan. It was built on March 26, 1990. The then Vice-Chancellor of Professor Kazi Saleh Ahmed inaugurated this sculpture. This 15 feet tall sculpture is made of bronze metal. Red ceramic bricks have been used in its construction. The heroic son of the country is fighting with a rifle despite losing one arm and one leg due to the enemy is the message that is depicted through this sculpture.
Amar Ekushe
Among all the monumental sculptures of Bangladesh the ‘Amar Ekushe’ is one of the most famous ones. This sculpture is located in front of Gate No. 2 of Jahangirnagar University. Its architect is artist Jahanara Parveen. on 21 February 1991, the then Vice-Chancellor Professor Kazi Saleh Ahmed inaugurated this sculpture. This sculpture is 34 feet tall including the pillar. It is constructed with limestone, cement, black sand, modeling clay, etc. This sculpture shows the figure of a boy lying on a mother's lap and behind it is a portrait of a man chanting.
Central Library
Jahanfirnagar University’s central library was established in 1985. It is located behind the monument ‘Shongsoptok’, between the main academic building and the dormitories. JU central library has a huge collection of books and printed and online journals. There are more than 150000 books, 15000 hardbound journals, and 22500 online journals in the library. The central library can accommodate over 170 students at a time. The entire library area is under Wi-Fi coverage. On the premises of the library, there is a cyber center. The library is an excellent piece of architecture with an airy ample glass opening.
TSC
The Teachers-Students Center or TSC always plays a significant role in building the bonding between teachers and students. Here in TSC, there is an open space called 'Muktomoncho’. It is a cultural hub for the university. The cultural groups of the university perform drama and other cultural events at ‘Muktomoncho’. It is the center of great attraction for the students.
Zahir Raihan Auditorium
There is a 1500-seat auditorium named 'Zahir Raihan Auditorium' that is named after the famous Bangladeshi novelist, writer, and filmmaker. It is located in the TSC. There is a seminar hall for seminars, meetings, and cultural programs. The seminar hall can accommodate 250 persons. The auditorium is fully equipped for drama, cultural activities, international conferences, and other similar events.
Central Cafeteria
Jahangirnagar University has a central cafeteria. It is behind the monument ‘Amar Ekushey’. The central cafeteria offers fresh, healthy, and hygienic food for teachers and students. It offers fresh meals in the morning and lunchtime at a very low cost compared with others. So there is always a gathering of teachers and students in the cafeteria. 29 staff and cooks are always there to serve the food and maintain the menus.
Lake
There are several clear-water lakes on the university campus. Many guest birds come here during the winter season. Many tourists come here to see the guest birds. The natural beauty of the campus attracts tourists.
Others
The university has 1 central mosque, 1 gymnasium, 1 swimming pool 1 cafeteria, and 1 medical center for the treatment of students. The University has its transport system for the transportation of students outside the campus. The university has an open stage where various socio-cultural activities are conducted. There is a Student Center for advising students on various issues.
Journal
Research activities are conducted in almost all departments of the university. At the undergraduate and postgraduate level, students are required to submit a research thesis. After graduation, students can pursue an M.Phil and Ph.D. The faculties publish different journals. Jahangirnagar University Journal of Science from the Faculty of Science, Social Science Review from the Faculty of Social Science, Bangladesh Journal of Life Science from Biological Science, and Jahangirnagar Review Part-3 from the Faculty of Arts. The University centrally brings out a journal called Jahangirnagar Review.
Jahangirnagar University Centers
• Medical Center
• Wazed Miah Science Research Center
• Students Counseling and Guidance Center
• Center of Excellence in Teaching and Learning
• The Language Center
• Teacher Student Center
Organizations
More than 30 organizations exist at Jahangirnagar University. Such as Infusion-The Cultural Club of IBA-JU, Communic, IBA-JU Business Club, IBA-JU Social Welfare Club, Envision: IBA-JU Photography Club, IBA-JU Sports Club and IBA-JU Debating Club, JU Career Club, JU Higher Studies Club, Mooting and Debating Club, Drama Club and so on.
Notable Students
Faruque Ahmed, theatre and television actor
Kafil Ahmed, poet, singer, and painter of Bangladesh of contemporary age
Azam Ali, a scientist known for having developed a wound dressing
Arindam Banik, IMI Kolkata Director
Selim Al Deen, playwright and theatrical artist
Shariff Enamul Kabir, chemist and former VC of JU
Humayun Faridi, a theatrical performer
C. Emdad Haque, academic, environmentalist, and author
Fahmida Khatun, policy analyst and economist
Zakia Bari Mamo, model and actress
A A Mamun, a physicist
Shibli Mohammad, dancer and choreographer
Mashrafe Bin Mortaza, MP of Bangladesh and ODI captain of Bangladesh National Cricket team
Shajal Noor, model and actor
Mohammad Rafiq, poet awarded the Bangla Academy Literary Award in 1987 and Ekushey Padak in 2010
Mushfiqur Rahim, former test captain
Mohammad Mahfizur Rahman competed in the 50 m freestyle event at the 2012 and 2016 Summer Olympics
Mim Mantasha, the winner of Lux Channel I Superstar beauty pageant television reality show that was held in 2018
Mohammad Salahuddin, former national team cricketer and national team coach
Shahiduzzaman Selim, theatre, television and film actor
Sumaiya Shimu, television actress
Soumitra Sekhar Dey leading Bengali linguist, educationist, and writer
