Shahjalal University of Science and Technology (abbreviated Shabiprobi or SUST) is a public university located in Sylhet, Bangladesh. The medium of education at the university is English. Established in 1986, it is one of the leading universities in the country for pioneering research and education in physical Sciences and Engineering. It is the 8th oldest university in the country and the first university to adopt the American credit system.
SUST is one of the most IT-oriented universities in Bangladesh. The university introduced an integratedhonors courses for the first time in Bangladesh and introduced the semestersystem (American semester system) in undergraduate courses from 1996-97session.
Many of us have a great desire to know about the university with captivating natural beauty and enchanting environment of the campus that is Shahjalal University of Science and Technology. In this write-up, we tried to give you the most authentic and reliable information about the very 1st Science and Technology university in the country. So keep reading this article to learn more about one of the most beautiful universities in Bangladesh.
History of SUST
Shahjalal University of Science and Technology, a leading public university in Bangladesh with special contributions in Engineering, was established on 25th August 1986 and academic activities of the university started on 13th February 1991 with three departments. Its campus is located at Kumargaon, about 5 km from Sylhet city. The university has 28 departments under 7 faculties.
The first and second convocations of the university were held on 29 April 1998 and 6 December 2007 respectively. Besides, this university occupies a very good position in the Webometrics ranking by producing the highest number of research papers. Recently, among all the public universities of Bangladesh, the graduates of this university are engaged in higher education and research in other countries of the world at a proportional rate. The students of the university are very enthusiastic about cultural activities and exploring new research arena.
Institute at a glance:
Other Name: SUST, শাবিপ্রবি
Motto: Inner Spirit
Type: Public University, Research, Co-educational
Established: 25 August 1986
Location: Akhalia, Kumargaon, Sylhet, Bangladesh
Campus: Semi-Urban, 320 acres (1.3km2) (Main campus)
Accreditation: IEB, IAB, ACU, IAU,FUIW, WHO
Affiliation: University Grants Commission (UGC)
Chancellor: President Mohammed Shahabuddin
Vice-Chancellor: Prof. Farid Uddin Ahmed
Pro Vice-Chancellor: Dr. Md. Kabir Hossain
Treasurer: Professor Amina Pervin
Registrar: Mr Md Fazlur Rahman
Academic staff: 566
Administrative staff: 772
Students: 12,596(Approx) (Undergrad, postgrad, affiliated)
Undergraduates: 6726(Approx)
Postgraduates: 1870(Approx)
Other students: 4000 (affiliated college)
Language: English and Bengali
Academic Departments: 27
Institutes: 2
Halls: 5
Color: Maroon and Grey
Address: Shahjalal University of Science and Technology, Kumargaon,
Sylhet-3114, Bangladesh
Phone: PABX :+8802996636454,02996631379, 02996634850, 02996633825, 02996632210, 715393
FAX: +88-02996632057, 725050
E-mail: registrar@sust.edu
Web site:www.sust.edu
Campus Location
Shahjalal University of Science and Technology is located in Akhalia, Kumargaon, Sylhet. The location is more or less six kilometers away from the heart of Sylhet City Center. Spread over an area of 320 Acres of land the campus is covered with greenery vegetation environment.
SUST Ranking
In 2016, SUST ranked as the top research university in Bangladesh (610th in the world) by Scopus-SCImago institution ranking. In 2019, it ranked 337th in Asia and 610th in the world among 3,471 higher educational institutions. SUST ranked 445th for research and 493rd for innovation in the world. It ranked 1st in 2015 and 3rd in 2021 among all universities in Bangladesh by Webometrics.
List of VC's/ List of Vice Chancellors of SUST
Prof. Farid Uddin Ahmed is the present VC of SUST. The very 1st VC of SUST was Prof. Dr. Sadruddin Ahmed Chowdhury. However, the list of the VCs of SUST is given below.
1.Prof. Dr.Sadruddin Ahmed Chowdhury (1 June 1989 to 31 May 1993)
2.Prof. Dr.Syed Mohib Uddin Ahmed (26 June 1993 to 25 June 1997)
3.Prof. MdHabibur Rahman (20 July 1997 to 19 July 2001)
4.Prof. Dr.Md Saleh Uddin (20 July 2001 to 25 December 2001)
5.Prof. MShafiqur Rahman (3 March 2002 to 27 April 2003)
6.Prof. Dr.Musleh Uddin Ahmed (28 April 2003 to 22 October 2006)
7.Prof. MAminul Islam (23 October 2006 to 24 February 2009)
8.Prof. Dr.Md Saleh Uddin (26 February 2009 to 25 February 2013)
9.Prof. Dr.Md Elias Uddin Biswas (Add Incharge, 20 March 2013 to 27 July 2013)
10. Prof. Dr. MdAminulHaqueBhuyan (28July 2013 to 27 July 2017)
11. Prof. Farid Uddin Ahmed (18 August2017– Incumbent)
Academic Faculty/Institute/Departments
In Bangladesh, SUSTis the first public university to introduce undergraduate programs in Software Engineering.In Bangladesh, it is the second oldest to introduce Engineering education in the fields of Chemical, ComputerScience, Industrial & Production, Petroleum & Mining. However, it isthe third oldest university to introduce Architecture, Food Engineering and tea Technology, Genetic Engineering, and biotechnology programs in the country. Rightnow, in total, SUST has 27 departments under 07 schools.
School of Agriculture and Mineral Sciences
There is only 01department under the School ofAgriculture and Mineral Sciences faculty. The department is
• Department of Forestry &Environmental Science (FES)
School of Applied Sciences and Technology
There are 09 departments under the School of AppliedSciences and Technology faculty.
• Department of Architecture (ARC)
• Department of Chemical Engineering & Polymer Science (CEP)
• Department of Civil & EnvironmentalEngineering (CEE)
• Department of Computer Science & Engineering (CSE)
• Department of Electrical & Electronic Engineering(EEE)
• Department of Food Engineering & Tea Technology (FET)
• Department of Industrial &Production Engineering (IPE)
• Department of Mechanical Engineering (MEE)
• Department of Petroleum & Mining Engineering(PME)
School of Life Sciences
There are 02 departments under the School of Life Sciences faculty.
• Department of Biochemistry andMolecular Biology (BMB)
• Department of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (GEB-SUST)
School of Management and Business Administration
There is only 01department under the faculty of the School of Management and BusinessAdministration.
• Department of Business Administration
School of Physical Sciences
There are 06 departments under the School of Physical Sciences.
• Department of Chemistry (CHE)
• Department of Geography and Environment(GEE)
• Department of Mathematics (MAT)
• Department of Physics (PHY)
• Department of Statistics (STA)
• Department of Oceanography (OCG)
School of Social Sciences
There are 08 departments under the School of Social Sciences faculty.
• Department of Anthropology (ANP)
• Department of Bangla (BNG)
• Department of Economics (ECO)
• Department of English (ENG)
• Department of Political Studies (PSS)
• Department of Public Administration(PAD)
• Department of Social Work (SCW)
• Department of Sociology (SOC)
School of Medical Sciences
There are 10 affiliated medical and nursing colleges under SUST's direct supervision. They are
• Al-Amin Dental College
• Begum RabeyaKhatun Chowdhury Nursing College
• Jalalabad Ragib-Rabeya Medical College
• North East Medical College
• North East Nursing College
• M A G Osmani Medical College, Sylhet
• Sheikh Hasina Medical College, Habiganj
• Sylhet Women's Medical College
• Park View Medical College
• Sylhet Nursing College
Affiliated Colleges
Sylhet Engineering College is a specialized educational institution affiliated to this university. Thecollege consists of 03 departments:
• Department of Computer Science and Engineering (CSE)
• Department of Civil Engineering (CE)
• Department of Electrical and ElectronicEngineering (EEE)
Affiliated School
SUST has 01 affiliated school of secondary level inside the campus for the children of staff. However, general students are allowed to be admitted here.
Institutes
It is one of theresearch institutions in Bangladesh. Apart from research in physics and statistics, it has several famous institutes:
• Institute of Information and Communication Technology
• Center for Architectural Research
• Computer Engineering Research Center
• Physics Research Centre
• Center for Statistical Research
Institute of Information and Communication Technology
The first institute of Shahjalal University of Science and Technology was established in 2007. The aim and objective of the institute is to promote and provide facilities forpost-graduate study in ICT for graduates from various disciplines and toactively pursue research in ICT in order to develop knowledge-based productsand services.
Institute of Modern Languages
Institute of Modern Languages (IML) of Shahjalal University of Science and Technology wasestablished and approved by the 192nd Syndicate meeting on 18 April 2015 withthe recommendations of the 136th Academic Council meeting held on 15 April 2015.
The capability tospeak a modern language gives graduates a competitive edge over others as thedemand for bilingual workers in the world continues to rise. IML offers a wide range of Certificate and Diploma courses that provide hands-on training to force the necessary language expertise. It also provides students with theopportunities to meet in informal settings to speak and interact in the target language.
Programs are offeredface-to-face as well as via virtual modes. Courses offered in various programs adopt a variety of teaching styles that are intense and at the same timeengaging. Courses are offered as presentations, lectures, seminars, or labactivities held in digital multimedia labs.
Computer & Information Center
The Computer Center(CC) of SUST was established in March 1991 under the supervision of the Department of Physics located on the 1st floor of A building. The main objective is to support academic, research, and administrative functions of the University,in 1995, it became the Computer & Information Center.
Activityof Computer & Information Center:
• Data Center operation & management
• Fiber Optic backbone Campus networkinstallation, up-gradation, maintenance & management
• Campus Wi-Fi network installation,up-gradation, management
• Providing Intranet &Internet, services through own DNS, email, Proxy, web, FTP services
• University Automation system design,implementation supervision & maintenance
• Maintenance & troubleshootingsupport for
• Computer & peripherals of thedepartments & offices
• Providing professional training forteachers, officers, the staff of the university & outside peoples
• Support & cooperation of Admission Systems&ICT-related affairs of the University
• Installation, maintenance &troubleshooting & enhancement of IP-based campus surveillance system.
Degrees offered
Shahjalal University of Science and Technology offers undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in all 27 subjects of 07 departments. This university has the facility to do M.Phil and Ph.D. degrees for some selected subjects only. SUST also offers a B.Sc in Nursing, MBBS, MD, PGD under its affiliated medical and nursing colleges.
School of Agriculture and Mineral Sciences
• Department of Forestry &Environmental Science (FES): BSc (Hons.), MSc (General) and MSc (Thesis)
School of Applied Sciences and Technology
• Department of Architecture (ARC): 5 years Bachelor of Architecture (B.Arch).
• Department of Chemical Engineering & Polymer Science (CEP): BSc (Hons), MS,Ph.D
• Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering (CEE): Ph.D., B.Sc.
• Engineering, M. Sc. Engineering degree in the following seven options:
• M. Sc.in Environmental Engineering
• M. Sc.in Structural Engineering
• M. Sc.in Geotechnical Engineering
• M. Sc.in Transportation Engineering
• M. Sc. in water resources Engineering
• M. Sc.in Construction Engineering
• M. Sc.in disaster Engineering
• M. Sc.in Sanitation
• Department of Computer Science & Engineering(CSE): BSc (Hons.), MSc (General) andMSc (Thesis), Ph.D
• Department of Electrical & Electronic Engineering (EEE): BSc. Engineering
• Department of Food Engineering & Tea Technology (FET): BSc in FoodEngineering & Tea Technology
• Department of Industrial & Production Engineering (IPE): BSc. in Industrial and Production Engineering, MSc.in Industrial and Production Engineering, Ph.D. in Industrial and ProductionEngineering
• Department of Mechanical Engineering (MEE): BSc in Mechanical Engineering, MSc in Mechanical Engineering PhD courses areunder in progress.
• Department of Petroleum & Mining Engineering(PME): BSc in Petroleum and Mining Engineering, MSc in Petroleum & miningEngineering is in process.
School of Life Sciences
• Department of Biochemistry andMolecular Biology (BMB): BSc, MS(non-thesis, 1 year), and MS (thesis, 1.5 year).M.Phil (2 years) and Ph.D. (3-5 years) degrees will start soon.
• Department of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (GEB-SUST): BSc in Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, (M. Sc.) in Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology1 year (non-thesis), 1.5 years (thesis), M. Phil. and Ph.D.
School of Management and Business Administration
• Department of Business Administration: BBA, MBA, M.Phil, Ph.D
School of Physical Sciences
• Department of Chemistry (CHE): BSc inChemistry, MSc in Chemistry, MPhil in Chemistry, PhD in Chemistry.
• Department of Geography and Environment(GEE): B.Sc. (Hons), and One Year MS (thesis, 1.5 years), MS (non-thesis, 1year)
• Department of Mathematics (MAT): B.Sc. (Honors), MS (thesis, 1.5 years), MS (non-thesis, 1year), M. Phil (2 years), Ph.D ( 3 years)
• Department of Physics (PHY): B.Sc.(Hons.), MS(General), MS(Thesis), MPhil. Ph.D.
• Department of Statistics (STA): BSc.MSc, MPhil, Ph.D
• Department of Oceanography (OCG): B.Sc.Hons.), MS(General), MS(Thesis)
School of Social Sciences
• Department of Anthropology (ANP):BSS(Hons), MSS(General), MSS (Thesis), M.Phil., Ph.D.
• Department of Bangla (BNG): B.A(Hons.)in Bangla. M.A in Bangla, M.A (Thesis) In Bangla, M.Phil, PhD
• Department of Economics (ECO): BSS,MSS, M.Phil
• Department of English (ENG): BA(Hons),MA, MPhil PhD.
• Department of Political Studies(PSS):BSS, MSS, M.Phil, Ph.D.
• Department of Public Administration(PAD): BSS
• Department of Social Work (SCW): BSS,MSS, M.Phil, Ph.D
• Department of Sociology (SOC):BSS(Hons), MSS (General), MSS (Thesis),M.Phil, PhD.
School of Medical Sciences
Shahjalal University of Science and Technology offers various medical degrees through its affiliatedmedical and nursing colleges. Now it offers BSc (Nursing), MBBS, MD, and PGD programs to the students every year.
Affiliated University of SUST
The followinguniversities have academic cooperation agreements with SUST:
• Karlsruhe Institute of Technology,Germany
• University of Calabria, Italy
• Chingshu University, China
• Fachschule, Berlin, Germany
• University of Applied Sciences inTampere, Finland
• Bilkent University, Türkiye
Collaboration
SUST has academic and research collaboration with the following institutes:
• International Development Association
• Global Water Partnership
• International Union for Conservation of Nature
• American Institute of Bangladesh Studies
• Indiana University
• Karlsruhe Institute of Technology
Second Major Program
SUST is the first and the only university in Bangladesh to initiate the "Second Major Program"under the Department of Computer Science & Engineering, where a student canenroll in another department as the second major besides his/her first major.Currently, only three departments: EEE, Physics, and Mathematics offer a secondmajor degree.
Residential Halls
Shahjalal Universityof Science and Technology currently has 05 residential halls for students. There are 03 halls formale students and 02 for female students. Apart from this, there are dormitoryand residential facilities for the teachers. The first residential hall of the university is Shahparan Hall. A Provost supervises each hall. Usually, the provost is selected from among the senior faculty. It was the first university inthe country to introduce free campus-wide Wi-Fi for students and staff.The five studenthalls of residence of SUST are:
• Shahparan Chatro Hall
• Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Chatro Hall
• Syed Mujtaba Ali Chatro Hall
• Jahanara Imam Chatri Hall
• Begum Sirajunnesa Chowdhury Chatri Hall
SUST Central Library
The central libraryof SUST has a huge collection of books and journals. IN 1990, with the time of establishment, it had a meager collection but the library has now more than 75 thousand books,6 thousand hard copy journals/ periodicals and 23 Dailies for its users. The library provides 12-hour non-stop services from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. on all working days.
Muktijuddho Corner:
The Central Library has established a unique space named "Muktijuddho Corner" which is enrichedwith books, posters, maps, videos, documents, etc. on the Great Liberation War of Bangladesh held in 1971. The present collection of books in the Muktijuddho Corner has more than 2,000 titles.
SUST Research Center
On July 27, 2011,SUST established a research center. The main focus of the center is to identifyand promote the potential of the students as well as the teachers throughproviding financial, technical, and infrastructural support.
Center for Research, Testing and Consultancy (CRTC)
The Center for research, testing, and consultancy (CRTC) started its activity in 2007.Actually, the department of CEE formed this center to provide research, testing,and consultancy services in 2003. CRTC aims to establish professional quality teaching members to provide updates and important information properly.
SUST Online Journal
SUST published 03journals. They are:
• SUST Journal of Science &Technology
• SUST Journal of Social Sciences
• Journal of Engineering Research,Innovation and Education (JERIE)
SUST Laboratory
SUST has a number oflaboratories for research. These labs help the students in their academic andother study-related aspects. Some of them are given below:
• Non-Linear Optics
• Cluster Computing Lab
• Information Retrieval Lab
• Plant Genetic Engineering Lab
• Microbiology, Fermentation andEnvironment Biotechnology Lab
• Environmental & Pollution ControlEngineering Lab
• Fluid Mechanics, Water and Waste WaterTreatment Lab
SUST Innovation
SUST invents very low-cost cancer-detecting technology where all the cancer-based services andfacilities are available. This revolutionary technology can detect cancer cells within 05 minutes.
Monuments and sculptures
Chetna '71'
Chetna '71' is asculpture commemorating the Liberation War which is located at ShahjalalUniversity of Science and Technology. This is the first liberation warsculpture of Greater Sylhet. The students of the academic year 2005-06constructed a temporary sculpture called Chetna '71 on the west side of themini auditoriumon 26 March 2009. Later, the process of constructing the permanent sculpturebegan and later the sculpture was inaugurated on 30 July 2011 by the then VC Prof.Saleh Uddin.
The base of thesculpture is 3 steps of an altar made of red and black ceramic bricks. Thediameter of the lower step is 15 feet, the middle step is 13 and a half feetand the upper step is 12 feet. Each step is 10 inches high. Above the altarstep 3 is the main altar 4 feet high, with the main figure 8 feet high above it. Mobarak Hossain Nripal was the artist of this sculpture.
The sculpturefeatures a student raising the national flag of Bangladesh and a female studentholding a book symbolizing the Constitution. Seen from a distance, thesculpture seems to stand tall under the open sky like a fearless sentinel toprotect freedom and sovereignty.
SUST Students Organizations
Various organizationsof the university are active in co-educational work. Many functions orfestivals such as job fairs, higher education seminars, sports competitions,tournaments, national debate competitions, photography competitions, dramafestivals, skills hunts, etc. are held here on most days of the year. Besides,the campus of the university is familiar as the regional and national center ofvarious Olympiads.
The following cultural organizations are present in the university
Journalist organization
• Shahjalal University Press Club
Scientific Organization
• SUST Science Arena
• Copernicus Astronomical Memorial ofSUST (CAM-SUST)
• Science movement stage
• Love for science
• Bangladesh Open Science Organization
• RoboSust
Environmental Organization
• Green Explorer Society, anenvironmental organization
Theater organization
• Aungikar Cultural Council
• Theater SUST
• Dik Theater
• AajMuktomoncho
Film Association
• Chokh Film Society
Voluntary organization
• Student Aid SUST
• Swapnoththan
• Shanchalon
• Kin
• SUST Bandhu Sabha (ProthomAlo)
Other Organizations
• SanatanVidyarthiSangsad, Shabiprabi(Sabis)
• SUST Career Club
• SUST SahityaSangsad
• Shahjalal University Speakers Club
• Anti-Smoking and Drug Organizations
• Anti-Smoking and Nicotine Association
• Bangladesh National Cadet Core, SUST
• Bangladesh Red Crescent Society
• Udichi
• Charan Cultural Centre
• Career Design Center
• Cartoon Factory
• Dhrubotara
• Education Watch
• MAVOY: Abrittee Sangsad (The only club for recitation)
• Nongor
• NirapodSharak Chai
• Anneshan
• Promising Youth
• Rim
• Shahjalal University PhotographyAssociation (SUPA)
• Shikor
• Sports SUST
• SUST Writers Club
• Yousab
• Shahjalal University Debating Society
• Tourist Club
This universityorganizes various competitions in literature and science along with various olympiads in Sylhet region. The competitions organized by Shabiprobi include National High School Programming Competition, National Women ProgrammingCompetition, Bangladesh Biology Olympiad, Bangladesh Mathematics Olympiad, Bangladesh Science Olympiad, Bangladesh Physics Olympiad, Bangladesh AstronomyOlympiad etc. The teachers and senior students of different departmentsorganize and conduct the regional competitions of Sylhet region.
Notable Teachers
• Sadruddin Ahmed Chowdhury, scientist and founder and Vice-Chancellor of SUST
• Arun Kumar Basak, founder professor,Department of Physics, professor emeritus of physics, University of Rajshahi
• Muhammad Zafar Iqbal, retired professor, Department of Computer Science & Engineering, and writer.
