North South University: A History of Innovation and Academic Excellence
North South University (NSU), the first private university in Bangladesh, was established in 1992 with the vision of becoming a world-class center of excellence in higher education within the country's private sector. This article delves into the history, academic structure, and significant milestones of NSU, highlighting its contributions to education and research in Bangladesh and beyond.
Inception and Foundation
NSU was founded by the Foundation for Promotion of Education and Research (FPER), a charitable, non-profit, non-commercial, and non-political organization. The university is modeled on US universities, adopting academic features such as semester systems, credit hours, and letter grades. To ensure continuous improvement and adherence to global standards, NSU has an International Advisory Board comprising scholars from around the world who provide counsel on academic matters.
Campus and Facilities
Located in the Bashundhara Residential Area of Dhaka, NSU's campus spans 5.5 acres of beautifully landscaped area. The university boasts state-of-the-art facilities, including over 120 classrooms, lecture theaters, and exam halls equipped with the latest teaching aids, covering 1.2 million sq. ft. of floor space. The campus is designed to accommodate up to 12,000 students.
The NSU library, with over 70,000 square feet of floor area, is the first fully automated university library in Bangladesh. It utilizes its own library management software, supporting an RFID system, a web-based online circulation system, full-text e-books, and online journal article repository services. The library can accommodate over 1,200 students at a time.
Academic Structure and Programs
NSU offers a wide array of undergraduate and graduate programs across various disciplines. The university is organized into several schools, including:
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School of Engineering & Physical Sciences (SEPS)
SEPS aims to be a center of excellence in innovation and technological entrepreneurship. It provides a knowledge- and skill-based learning environment in engineering, architecture, and physical sciences. The school focuses on developing students' technical competency, social responsibility, communication skills, and ethical standards. Programs include:
- Master of Science in Civil Engineering (M.S. in Civil Engineering)
- Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and Engineering
- Bachelor of Science in Electrical and Electronic Engineering
Department of History & Philosophy (DHP)
Established on January 1, 2015, the Department of History & Philosophy (DHP) is a cornerstone of the School of Humanities and Social Sciences (SHSS), dedicated to the cultivation of intellectual rigor and ethical leadership at North South University (NSU). Since its inception, the department has played a transformative role in the academic journey of the undergraduate student body through its comprehensive General Education (GED) curriculum. The department’s academic scope is built upon two foundational pillars designed to provide students with a truly global perspective. Historical studies emphasize the rich tapestry of national culture and heritage, the historic emergence of Bangladesh, and the broader trajectories of world civilizations. Complementing this, the philosophy cluster focuses on developing visionary thinking, exploring the intricacies of human psychology, and instilling a robust framework for business and professional ethics. In a significant expansion of its scholarly mission, the department launched the Master of Arts in History & Asian Studies (MAHAS) in Spring 2023. This interdisciplinary graduate program offers a sophisticated examination of South Asia, Southeast Asia, East Asia, and the Middle East. DHP is home to a vibrant community of scholars who are actively engaged in groundbreaking research and the continuous creation of knowledge in their respective fields. This academic environment is further enriched by a diverse faculty body, which has historically included distinguished international professors who bring a wealth of global experience to the university.
In Spring 2026, the Department of History & Philosophy offered eleven (11) undergraduate courses and 5 graduate courses in 183 sections run by 17 full-time and 36 part-time faculty members. Some prominent faculty members include:
- Dr. A.K.M. Shahnawaz
- Dr. Shamim F. Karim
- Dr. Abul Hossain Ahmed Bhuiyan
- Dr. Mostofa Nazmul Mansur
- Dr. Jasim Uddin
- Dr. Mohammad Kamrul Ahsan
- Dr. Md. Munir Hossain Talukder
- Dr. Md. Lutfor Rahman
- Dr. Mohammad Mozahidul Islam
- Dr. A. K. M. Rezaul Karim
- Dr. Taiabur Rahman
- Dr. S. M. Ali Reza
- Dr. Ashit Boran Paul
- Dr. Kazi Maruful Islam
- Dr. Abul Kalam Azad
- Prof. Md. Zakir Hossain
- Dr. Md. Humayun Kabir
- Dr. Md. Masood Imran
- Dr. Md. Manzoor Elahee
- Dr. Most. Aeysha Sultana
- Dr. Mohammad Golam Rabbani
- Dr. Ahmed Jamal Anwar
- Dr. A H M Zehadul Karim
- Dr. Tofail Ahmed
- Dr. Md. Reazul Haque
- Dr. Md. Faruk Shah
- Dr. Akib Ul Huque
- Dr. Abdus Samad
- Major Gen. Dr. Md. Sarwar Hossain
- Dr. M. Saiful Islam
- Mr. Aynul Islam
- Dr. M. Atique Rahman
- Mr. Mohammad Abul Kawser
- Dr. Kazi A.S.M. Nurul Huda
- Dr. H M Saidur Rahaman
- Dr. Mollika Roy
- Dr. Syed Moynul Alam Nizar
- Dr. Naima Nigar
- Mr. M. Ashique Rahman
- Barrister Kazi Tamrin Rashed
- Barrister Ridma Khan
Events and Activities
The Department of History & Philosophy actively engages in various events and activities to promote intellectual discourse and cultural awareness. These include:
- International Mother Language Day Observance: The department observes 21 February-International Mother Language Day with solemnity and respect, paying tribute to the martyrs of the Language Movement.
- Orientation Programs: The department conducts orientation programs for newly admitted students, such as the Spring 2026 Orientation Program for the Master of Arts in History and Asian Studies (MAHAS) Program.
- Special Talks and Seminars: DHP hosts special talks and seminars by distinguished scholars. For example, a talk by Professor Shamsul Haque on “Identity Formation & Reminiscence Bump: Revisiting Five Decades of Autobiographical Memory Research” was held on January 29, 2026.
- Liberation War Research Center (LRC) Activities: The LRC organizes events dedicated to the preservation and advancement of Liberation War research, such as the formal handover of research data on the historical ethnography of 1971.
- Special Lectures: The department hosts special lectures on important topics, such as the lecture on “The July Charter: Understanding the Political Reforms in Comparative Perspective” by Dr. Sumit Bisarya.
- World Mental Health Day Programs: DHP organizes programs focused on mental health, such as the “Stress Management & Healthy Living” program on World Mental Health Day 2025.
- Seminars and Discussions: The department conducts seminars and discussions on various topics, including the role of students and teachers in historical events, the legacy of Kazi Nazrul Islam, and the vision of empowering Bangladesh.
Master of Arts in History and Asian Studies (MAHAS)
The MAHAS program offers a comprehensive and interdisciplinary examination of South Asia, Southeast Asia, East Asia, and the Middle East. The program provides students with historical and contemporary knowledge of the region, along with crucial transnational and cross-cultural competencies. Graduates are prepared for careers in academia, government agencies, international organizations, foreign embassies, consultancy firms, media houses, and the tourism industry.
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The MAHAS program offers two formats. Students qualifying for format-1 must take six mandatory core courses and four elective courses. The program focuses on Bangladesh and South Asia, offering a broader Asian perspective and a chance to specialize in either history or regional area studies. Courses draw on insights from History, Political Science, Philosophy, and Environmental Studies.
Other Departments and Institutes
NSU also houses several other departments and institutes, including:
- NSU Global Health Institute (NGHI)
- NSU Genome Research Institute (NGRI)
- Confucius Institute
- Institute for Developing Science and Earth Studies (IDESS)
Research and Publications
NSU is at the forefront of various research initiatives, with autonomous cells and projects in fields such as Public Health, Environment Sciences, and Public Policy. The university also publishes academic journals, such as "Panini: NSU Studies in Language & Literature."
Liberation War Research Center (LRC)
The Liberation War Research Center (LRC) under the Department of History and Philosophy (DHP) is dedicated to preserving the historical legacy of Bangladesh’s 1971 Liberation War. The Centre functions as a multidisciplinary platform, engaging academics, students, freedom fighters, and the wider community in research, dialogue, and public outreach. The LRC is committed to collecting, preserving, and sharing authentic knowledge about Bangladesh’s Liberation War.
Student Support and Services
NSU provides various support services to its students, including:
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- North South University-Student Counseling Center (NSU-SCC): A support system for students addressing their emotional well-being and providing therapy and advice.
- Career & Placement Center (CPC): Facilitates career opportunities for students and alumni.
- Center for Infrastructure Research and Services (CIRS, NSU): Offers access to the university's laboratory equipment and facilities for testing and analysis services.
- NSU Center for Business Research: A platform focusing on building, storing, investigating, analyzing, and learning through research activities on business and economic phenomena.
Rankings and Recognition
North South University has consistently been recognized as one of the top universities in Bangladesh. It has been ranked by QS University Rankings and Times Higher Education (THE). NSU is also the only private university in Bangladesh ranked by subject in the QS Ranking 2020.
Alumni Success
NSU boasts a high graduate employment rate, with over 90% of its graduates securing employment. The alumni of NSU are spread across the globe and have excelled in various fields, upholding the reputation of NSU both nationally and internationally.
Controversies and Challenges
Despite its academic achievements, NSU has faced controversies and challenges, including investigations by the University Grants Commission and allegations of corruption and mismanagement. These issues have been addressed through various measures, including the reconstitution of the Board of Trustees.
Notable Alumni
NSU has produced numerous notable alumni who have made significant contributions in various fields, including:
- Syed Alamgir: Managing Director of Akij Group Ventures.
- Cynthia McKinney: Former U.S. Representative from Georgia.
- Saquib Rahman: Entrepreneur and innovator.
- Ponir Hossain: Reuters photographer and Pulitzer Prize winner.
- Tasneem Khalil: Journalist and human rights activist.
- Bibi Russell: Fashion designer.
- Kusum Sikder: Actress and writer.
- Nusrat Imrose Tisha: Actress.
- Topu: Musician.
- Zara Jabeen Mahbub: Banker.
- Sabila Nur: Actress.
- Hussain M Elius: Innovator.
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