From Science and Technology to Public:
Bogura University on the Verge of Opening After 25 Years
Graphics: Agamir Somoy
After ending the long 25-year wait, the much-expected university in Bogura is finally on the verge of opening. However, it will no longer remain solely a science and technology-based university. According to the new draft law, the institution has been named "Bogura University," and a decision has been made to transform it into a full-fledged public university.
According to sources concerned, preparations for administrative appointments and the launch of academic activities are now in the final stages. The draft law, formulated on June 18, proposes changing the previous specialized structure and establishing it as a public university.
Under the new law, the university will offer education and research opportunities in various fields, including biological sciences, engineering, technical education, arts, social sciences, business administration, law, agriculture, and medical sciences, alongside science and technology. The draft of the "Bogura University Act, 2026" has been formulated to build skilled human resources according to the demands of the modern era.
The university's journey began in 2001. On July 15, towards the end of the then Awami League government's term through July uprising, the "Bogura Science and Technology University Act, 2001" was published in the gazette. However, due to various political and administrative reasons, the institution's activities did not progress for over two decades.
Although the BNP government after the 2001 national election and subsequently the Awami League government that came to power in 2008 ran the state for a long time, the administrative or academic activities of the university did not commence. As a result, the project remained virtually stalled for a long period.
There have also been discussions at various times regarding the construction of a permanent campus for the university. During a meeting held at the Bogura Deputy Commissioner's office in the 2023-24 fiscal year, there was preliminary discussion about establishing the campus on approximately 60 acres of government fallow land in the Nuruil Bill, adjacent to the Matidali-Pirgacha road, on the east side of Nuruil village in Sheherkola Union of Sadar Upazila. However, later that proposal did not progress, and the location could not be finalized.
Meanwhile, the name of Bogura's Shajahanpur Upazila has come up in discussions as a potential site for the new permanent campus. According to sources, the permanent campus of the university may ultimately be built at that very location, which was originally designated during the time of former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia.
As the long-standing demand moves toward implementation, enthusiasm and expectations have grown among local teachers, students, and the general public. Concerned parties hope that administrative appointments can be completed soon and the university's academic programs can be fully launched.
Currently, there are 58 approved public universities and 114 private universities in the country. Among them, academic programs are ongoing at 105 private universities. While public universities are governed by their own respective acts, private universities operate under the "Private University Act, 2010."
