BRAC University
{{Short description|Private university in Dhaka, Bangladesh}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=November 2021}}
{{Infobox university
| name = BRAC University
| native_name = ব্র্যাক ইউনিভার্সিটি
| native_name_lang = bn
| image = BRAC_University_monogram.svg
| image_size = 180
| image_alt =
| caption = Logo of Brac University
| other_name = BRACU
| type = Private research university
| founder = Fazle Hasan Abed
| accreditation = {{ubl||Bar Council
|IAB|PCB|IEB|ACU|Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business|Association of Private Universities of Bangladesh (APUB)}}
| affiliation = University Grants Commission (UGC)
| established = {{start date and age|2001}}
| chancellor = {{Current president of Bangladesh}}
| vice_chancellor = Syed Ferhat Anwar
| faculty = 649
| academic_staff =
| administrative_staff =
| students = 20000+ (2025)
| undergrad = 17000+
| postgrad = 3000+
| address = Kha 224 Bir Uttam Rafiqul Islam Avenue, Merul Badda
| city = Dhaka
| country = Bangladesh
| postcode = 1212
| location =
| coordinates = {{coord|23.7725|90.4254|type:edu_region:BD|display=inline, title}}
| campus = Urban, {{cvt|5|acre}} (city campus){{cite web|url=https://www.bracu.ac.bd/about/brac-university-new-campus|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240704090224/https://www.bracu.ac.bd/about/brac-university-new-campus |archive-date=4 July 2024 |title=BRAC University New Campus | Brac University |date=7 January 2019 }}
| language = English
| colours = {{Color box|#1874CD}}{{Color box|black}}{{Color box|#858b97}}
Blue, Black, Gray
| sports_nickname =
| website = {{URL|www.bracu.ac.bd}}
| logo =
| logo_size = 100
| logo_alt =
| footnotes =
}}
BRAC University ({{langx|bn|ব্র্যাক ইউনিভার্সিটি}}, also known as BRACU) is a private research university located in Merul Badda, Dhaka, Bangladesh. It was established in 2001 as a branch of Sir Fazle Hasan Abed's BRAC under the Private University Act 1992.{{Cite web|title=Message from the Founder and Chairperson Emeritus|date=5 December 2017 |url=https://www.bracu.ac.bd/message-founder-and-chairperson-emeritus|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191212201008/https://www.bracu.ac.bd/message-founder-and-chairperson-emeritus |archive-date=12 December 2019 }}
History
Sir Fazle Hasan Abed founded BRAC University in 2001, under the Private University Act.{{Cite web|title=Südasien-Institut. Universität Heidelberg.|url=https://www.sai.uni-heidelberg.de/workgroups/bdlaw/1992-a34.htm|access-date=6 December 2023|archive-date=17 October 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181017204415/https://www.sai.uni-heidelberg.de/workgroups/bdlaw/1992-a34.htm|url-status=live}} The university was formally inaugurated by the President of Bangladesh and the Chancellor of BRAC University, Shahabuddin Ahmed, at Osmani Memorial Hall, Dhaka, on June 16, 2001.{{Cite web|url=http://www.bracu.ac.bd/news/brac-university-inaugurated|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180830021847/http://www.bracu.ac.bd/news/brac-university-inaugurated |archive-date=30 August 2018 |title=BRAC University Inaugurated | BRAC University |date=12 October 2014 }} Based on the American liberal arts college model, the university began with just three departments and around 80 students in 2001 at Mohakhali, Dhaka.{{Cite web|title=Brac University Annual Report 2009|url=https://www.bracu.ac.bd/sites/default/files/resources/ar/Annual_Report_2009_web.pdf|access-date=6 December 2023|archive-date=5 April 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230405182824/https://www.bracu.ac.bd/sites/default/files/resources/ar/Annual_Report_2009_web.pdf|url-status=live}}{{Cite book |last=BRAC |title=Brac University Project Proposal and Application, Submitted to: Education Ministry and University Grants Commission |year=1998 |pages=8}} It held its first convocation in January 2006. As the university grew, it increased the number of programs and introduced master's degrees.{{Cite book|last=BRAC|title=Brac University Project Proposal and Application, Submitted to: Education Ministry and University Grants Commission|year=1998|pages=10}} The development of a library with high academic standards was important to Sir Abed. The Ayesha Abed Library was digitized shortly after its inception.{{Cite book|last=BRAC|title=Brac University Project Proposal and Application, Submitted to: Education Ministry and University Grants Commission|year=1998|pages=9, 10}} The university had 11,200 students in 20 schools, departments, and institutes in 2020.{{Citation needed|date=June 2023}} In 2023, Brac University authorities proposed to change its name to "Sir Fazle Hasan Abed University".{{cite web | url=https://en.prothomalo.com/youth/education/culyzlq7m4 | title=Brac University proposes to change its name to 'Sir Fazle Hasan Abed University' | date=11 July 2023 |work=Prothom Alo}} But the University Grants Commission declined it.{{cite web | url=https://www.thedailystar.net/news/bangladesh/education/news/brac-university-proposes-changing-name-abed-university-3366466 | title=Brac University proposes changing name to Abed University | date=11 July 2023 |work=The Daily Star}} Now, BRAC University has a permanent city campus in Merul Badda, Dhaka.{{cite web | url=https://unb.com.bd/category/Bangladesh/brac-university-opens-its-new-campus-in-merul-badda/131802 | title=BRAC University opens its new campus in Merul Badda|date=1 March 2024 |work=UNB}}{{cite web | url=https://www.thedailystar.net/campus/noticeboard/news/brac-university-showcases-new-campus-synergy-knowledge-creation-and-environmental-sustainability-3561056 | title=BRAC University showcases new campus synergy of knowledge creation and environmental sustainability | date=7 March 2024 |work=The Daily Star}}
Campus
= Permanent Campus =
BRAC University has a permanent city campus in Merul Badda, Dhaka, a campus designed by WOHA Designs Pte Ltd., an architectural firm based in Singapore.{{Cite web|title=VIDEO-BRACU NEW CAMPUS - YouTube|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=2&v=ov8hwj-WJvk&feature=emb_logo%20;%20https://www.dezeen.com/2020/03/17/woha-brac-university-campus-bangladesh-architecture/|access-date=2020-08-19|website=www.youtube.com| date=3 January 2019 |archive-date=26 July 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230726053519/https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=2&v=ov8hwj-WJvk&feature=emb_logo%20;%20https://www.dezeen.com/2020/03/17/woha-brac-university-campus-bangladesh-architecture/|url-status=live}} Construction of this facility began in 2017. The university building has 14 floors and a total area of 157,935 sq. meters. The facilities include an auditorium with 700 seats, a multipurpose hall with 1850 seats, classrooms, labs, design studios, lecture theaters, an IT data center, UPS, CCTVs, a cafeteria, an e-library, a parking lot, recreation facilities, and a rooftop playground.{{Cite web|title=New Campus|date=7 January 2019|url=https://www.bracu.ac.bd/about/brac-university-new-city-campus|access-date=25 April 2019|archive-date=25 April 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190425003312/https://www.bracu.ac.bd/about/brac-university-new-city-campus|url-status=live}} The new campus is 2017 LafargeHolcim Asia Pacific- Bronze Winner awarded by LafargeHolcim Foundation for Sustainable Construction. Until November 2023, the educational programs were conducted at the temporary campus of Mohakhali, but from then on, all the activities were to be conducted at the permanent campus of Merul Badda.{{Cite web |title=Floating University in Bangladesh |url=https://www.holcimfoundation.org/projects/floating-university |access-date=2023-06-06 |website=www.holcimfoundation.org |archive-date=7 November 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221107141401/https://www.holcimfoundation.org/projects/floating-university |url-status=live }}{{cite web | url=https://www.thedailystar.net/campus/campus-life/news/brac-universitys-move-merul-badda-students-reflect-mohakhali-memories-3476881 | title=BRAC University's move to Merul Badda: Students reflect on Mohakhali memories | date=23 November 2023 |work=The Daily Star}}
brac_university_at_night.png
= Residential Campus =
File:Inside the BRAC University residential campus (Tarc).jpgThe Residential Campus at Savar was founded in 2003 and substantially expanded in 2012.{{Cite web|title=Residential Campus|date=9 October 2013|url=https://www.bracu.ac.bd/academics/residential-campus|access-date=6 December 2023|archive-date=31 August 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230831064534/https://www.bracu.ac.bd/academics/residential-campus|url-status=live}} Students spend a semester on the Residential Campus, where they take specific courses and fulfill community tasks during the week. Residential Semester is mandatory for every student.{{cite web | url=https://www.daily-sun.com/printversion/details/450011 | title=Learning through friendship, laughter and tears | date=December 2019 }} On Fridays and Saturdays, they visit orphanages, nursing homes, and landmark sites.{{Infobox university rankings|QS_Asia=253|QS_Asia_year=2025|QS_Asia_ref={{Cite web |title=QS Asia University Rankings 2025 – Overall |url=https://www.topuniversities.com/asia-university-rankings?items_per_page=150 |access-date=15 March 2025 |website=Top Universities |language=en |url-status=live }}}}
= Resources and facilities =
- Ayesha Abed Library{{Cite web|title=Welcome to BRACU Ayesha Abed Library {{!}} BRACU Ayesha Abed Library|url=http://library.bracu.ac.bd/|access-date=2020-08-19|website=library.bracu.ac.bd|archive-date=24 November 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191124171018/http://library.bracu.ac.bd/|url-status=live}}
- Counseling Unit at RS{{Cite news |date=2017-04-05|title=Counseling Service at Residential Semester of BRACU |work=Dhaka Tribune|url=http://archive.dhakatribune.com/arts-culture/2015/oct/22/counseling-service-residential-semester-bracu|access-date=2020-08-19|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170405171317/http://archive.dhakatribune.com/arts-culture/2015/oct/22/counseling-service-residential-semester-bracu|archive-date=5 April 2017}}
- Courseware Moodle
- Fabrication Lab{{Cite news|title=Fabrication laboratory opens at BRACU|url=http://www.theindependentbd.com/magazine/details/97287/Fabrication-laboratory-opens-at-BRACU-|access-date=2020-08-19|work=The Independent|location=Dhaka|archive-date=6 April 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230406180505/https://www.theindependentbd.com/magazine/details/97287/Fabrication-laboratory-opens-at-BRACU-|url-status=live}}
- MSDN Academic Alliance
Organization and administration
= Leadership and management =
The current structure was established in 2011.{{Cite web|title=Annual Report 2011|url=https://www.bracu.ac.bd/sites/default/files/resources/ar/BRACU_Annual_Report_2011.pdf|access-date=6 December 2023|archive-date=20 December 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221220204645/https://www.bracu.ac.bd/sites/default/files/resources/ar/BRACU_Annual_Report_2011.pdf|url-status=live}} The President of Bangladesh is BRAC University's Chancellor. The board of trustees is the highest policy-making body of BRAC University.{{Cite web |title=Organization and Administration |url=https://www.bracu.ac.bd/about/leadership-and-management |website=Brac University |date=9 October 2013 |access-date=6 December 2023 |archive-date=2 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231202075044/https://www.bracu.ac.bd/about/leadership-and-management |url-status=live }} It has 12 members, one of them being the Vice-Chancellor. Chaired by the Vice-Chancellor, the Syndicate supervises the academic and administrative functions of the university. The Academic Council, also chaired by the Vice-Chancellor, makes education policy recommendations and reviews curricula and academic progress.
= Administration =
The university administration is led by the Vice-Chancellor, the Registrar, and the Heads of academic units.{{Cite web|title=Administration|date=9 October 2013|url=https://www.bracu.ac.bd/about/leadership-and-management/university-administration|access-date=6 December 2023|archive-date=2 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231202014435/https://www.bracu.ac.bd/about/leadership-and-management/university-administration|url-status=live}}
= Vice Chancellors =
| class="wikitable"
! Year of Joining ! Expiration of Tenure of Office ! Name |
| 2001
|2010 |
| 2010
|2014 |
| 2014
|2018 |
| 2019 |
| 2023
|2024 |Syed Mahfuzul Aziz (Acting) |
| 2024
|present |Syed Ferhat Anwar |
Academics
{{Unreferenced section|date=February 2025}}
Diverse academic units serve the mission of BRAC University. Departments have degree-granting programs, schools support strategic initiatives, institutes are autonomous research entities, and centers are project-based entities.File:ZR9 8522.jpg delivering speech at the 11th Convocation|alt=]]
= Schools =
- BRAC Business School
- School of Data and Sciences
- BSRM School of Engineering
- School of Law
- School of Humanities and Social Sciences
- School of Pharmacy
- James P Grant School of Public Health
- School of Architecture and Design
- School of General Education
= Institutes =
- BRAC Institute of Languages
- BRAC Institute of Educational Development
- BRAC Institute of Governance and Development
= Departments =
- Department of Architecture
- Department of Computer Science and Engineering
- Department of Computer Science
- Department of Economics and Social Sciences (School of Humanities and Social Sciences)
- Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering
- Department of Electrical and Communication Engineering
- Department of English and Humanities (School of Humanities and Social Sciences)
- Department of Anthropology
- Department of Mathematics and Natural Sciences
- Department of Pharmacy
- Department of Bachelor of Business Administration
= Centres =
- Centre for Climate Change and Environmental Research
- Centre for Emotional Intelligence and Innovation
- Centre for Entrepreneurship Development
- Centre for Inclusive Architecture and Urbanism
- Centre for Peace and Justice
- Professional Development Centre
- Centre for Mathematical Sciences
- Centre for Life Sciences
= Financial aid =
BRAC University was founded to support financially disadvantaged students. One of the early donors was the BRAC Ford scholarship program. The university has developed several scholarship programs for national and international students. The Open Society Foundation and the Open Society University Network have supported student activities and education.{{cn|date=April 2025}}
Student life
The Office of Student Life (OSL) was created in 2019. OSL supervises the Department of Career Services, Alumni Affairs, and Clubs & Societies.
Many of the private university students of Bangladesh live with their parents during their university life. However, BRAC University has a mandatory residential semester at their Savar residential campus.
= Student achievements =
On 14 November 2021, Brac University team became the first Bangladeshi team to become champion at Cambridge Intervarsity debate tournament.{{Cite web |date=2021-11-18 |title=BRAC University team wins Cambridge Intervarsity debate tournament |url=https://www.tbsnews.net/bangladesh/education/brac-university-team-wins-cambridge-intervarsity-debate-tournament-331342 |access-date=2024-08-31 |website=The Business Standard |language=en}}
Notable people
=Faculty=
- Ainun Nishat{{cite web |date=18 November 2013 |title=Professor Ainun Nishat |url=http://www.bracu.ac.bd/about/people/professor-ainun-nishat |access-date=1 September 2017 |publisher=BRAC University}}
- Jamilur Reza Choudhury{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=19 April 2015|title=Professor Jamilur Reza Choudhury, PhD was the first Vice Chancellor of BRAC University.|url=https://www.bracu.ac.bd/news/bracu-bids-farewell-professor-jamilur-reza-choudhury|archive-url=|archive-date=|access-date=|website=BRAC University Website}}
- Salehuddin Ahmed{{Cite news |date=4 June 2023 |title=Brac University hosts post-budget discussion |url=https://www.dhakatribune.com/bangladesh/education/312817/brac-university-hosts-post-budget-discussion |access-date=13 August 2024 |work=Dhaka Tribune}}
- Syed Saad Andaleeb{{cite web | url=http://www.bracu.ac.bd/about/people/professor-syed-saad-andaleeb-phd | title=Professor Syed Saad Andaleeb, Ph.D. | publisher=BRAC University | accessdate=25 August 2016}}
- Vincent Chang{{Cite news |date=2019-02-14|title=Prof Vincent Chang new VC of Bracu|url=https://www.thedailystar.net/city/news/prof-vincent-chang-new-vc-bracu-1701766|access-date=2020-07-12|work=The Daily Star|language=en}}
- A F M Yusuf Haider{{Cite web|url=https://www.bracu.ac.bd/about/people/f-m-yusuf-haider-phd|title=A F M Yusuf Haider, PhD| accessdate=4 April 2017|website=www.bracu.ac.bd|date=4 April 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240712154222/https://www.bracu.ac.bd/about/people/f-m-yusuf-haider-phd |archive-date=12 July 2024 }}
- Syed Ferhat Anwar{{Cite web |date=2024-09-11 |title=Dr Syed Ferhat Anwar appointed as Vice-Chancellor of BRAC University |url=https://www.thedailystar.net/campus/noticeboard/news/dr-syed-ferhat-anwar-appointed-vice-chancellor-brac-university-3700261 |access-date=2025-03-29 |website=The Daily Star |language=en}}
Controversies
{{main|2024 Bangladesh textbook tearing controversy}}
Asif Mahtab, a part-time teacher of BRAC University{{Cite news|url=https://bangladeshpost.net/posts/controversy-over-inclusion-of-transgender-chapter-130070|title=Controversy over inclusion of 'transgender' chapter|website=bangladeshpost.net|date=23 January 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240421100321/https://bangladeshpost.net/posts/controversy-over-inclusion-of-transgender-chapter-130070 |archive-date=21 April 2024 }} held a teacher's conference in January 2024 following the continuation of the textbook controversy in Bangladesh, demonstrated anti-transgenderism by tearing the pages of the seventh grade textbook.{{Cite web|url=https://www.thedailystar.net/opinion/views/news/two-pages-ripped-entire-nation-torn-apart-3527246|title=Two pages ripped, an entire nation torn apart|first=Sadman|last=Sakib|date=24 January 2024|website=The Daily Star|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240723162253/https://www.thedailystar.net/opinion/views/news/two-pages-ripped-entire-nation-torn-apart-3527246 |archive-date=23 July 2024 }} In response to this protest, BRAC University authorities fired Asif Mahtab.{{Cite news|url=https://www.newagebd.net/article/223500/brac-univ-teacher-asif-terminated|title=BRAC Univ teacher Asif terminated|date=21 April 2024|website=New Age}} When the incident went viral on social media, many criticized BRAC and called for a boycott of all BRAC-related products and services.{{Cite web|url=https://en.somoynews.tv/news/2024-04-01/aarong-responds-to-criticism|title=Aarong responds to criticism |work=Somoy News |date=1 April 2024}}
A group of people and some students of BRAC University staged a protest in response to the dismissal of teacher Asif Mahtab and calling for clarification of BRAC University's position on transitioning.{{Cite web|url=https://en.prothomalo.com/bangladesh/tzuj6iptv4|title=Brac University won't renew contract with Asif Mahtab |date=29 January 2024|website=Prothom Alo}} In the protest rally, they announced a boycott of all BRAC-related products, services and university classes. In addition, the Islami Andolan Bangladesh called for a boycott of Aarong and BRAC university as part of the anti-transition protest.{{Cite web|url=https://www.benarnews.org/english/news/bengali/univ-fires-teacher-opposing-transgender-in-textbook-01222024152402.html|title=Inclusion of transgender rights chapter in Bangladesh school textbooks sparks debate|website=Benar News|date=22 January 2024}}{{Cite web|url=https://en.somoynews.tv/news/2024-01-23/a-1b8ae6ff8d|title=Outrage at Mahtab's Dismissal: Students close B...|date=23 January 2024|work=Somoy News}}
References
{{Reflist}}
External links
- {{Commons category-inline}}
- {{Official website|http://www.bracu.ac.bd}}
- [http://library.bracu.ac.bd/m/ Ayesha Abed Library, BRAC University]
- [http://usis.bracu.ac.bd/academia/ BRAC University USIS]
{{Dhaka|state=collapsed}}
{{Private Universities of Bangladesh}}
{{ICCIT Bangladesh Organizer}}
{{authority control}}
Category:Universities and colleges in Dhaka District
Category:Private universities in Bangladesh
Category:Universities and colleges established in 2001
Category:2001 establishments in Bangladesh
Category:Sustainable architecture