Introduction
North South University (NSU), the first private university in Bangladesh, was
established by North South University Foundation (NSUF) more than 17 years ago as a non-profit university. The NSUF was created by a group of philanthropists, industrialists,
bureaucrats and academics. The founders of NSU have proved that high quality higher
education can be provided in the private sector and public–private partnership would
meet the national demand for higher education much faster and more effectively. The
government of Bangladesh approved the establishment of North South University in 1992
under the Private University Act (PUA) 1992. President of the People's Republic of
Bangladesh is the Chancellor of NSU. The university started its classes in January 1993
with 139 students in 3 degree programs, namely, Business Administration, Computer
Science and Economics. The university follows American system with all its distinctive
features—semesters, credit hours, letter grades, credit transfer, one examiner system
and so on. Its curricula, when first introduced, were reviewed by the relevant
departments of University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, and University of California,
Berkeley, USA. The university and its programs are duly accredited by the University
Grants Commission on behalf of the government of Bangladesh. Currently it has about
9000 students in 26 degree programs, 16 Bachelor's and 10 Master's. Among the private
universities it stands out and it has established itself as a center of excellence in
higher education.
Its academic programs are continually updated. Among its distinctive features are: the
quality of education it imparts, impressive credentials of its teaching staff, research
facilities supported by well-equipped labs and fully automated library and extensive
internet connectivity with global network. Most importantly, NSU has become the first
university that has fulfilled all the requirements and provisions of the PUA 1992 after
it has recently built its huge campus at Bashundhara, which in turn has become the most
sought-after destination for the students who want to pursue higher studies.
The Apex Body and other Statutory Authorities
The Board of Governor: The North South University Foundation is the founder of
NSU. The Foundation members elect the members of the BOG. The BOG headed by its elected Chairman works as the apex body and provides the overall policy guidelines defined / described in the Statues of NSU, and approves annual budget on the basis of which the university is managed. Mr. M.A. Kashem is the current Chairman of BOG. Mr. Iftekharul Alam was the Founder Chairman. Mr. M. A. Awal is the Immediate Past Chairman. Mr. Azim Uddin Ahmed, A.B.M Kamal Uddin Khan (deceased), Mr. Mohammed Shajahan, Mr. M. A. Hashem, Mr. Ragib Ali, Mr. Benajir Ahmed and Mrs. Rehana Rahman were the subsequent Chairmen. The other Members of the Board are Dr. Roushon Alam, Mr. Yussuf A. Harun, Mr. S. M. Kamaluddin, Mr. A. S. F. Rahman, Mr. M. A. Kalam, Mr. Abul Kashem, Mrs. Yasmin Kamal, Dr. Junaid Kamal Ahmad and Mr. Mahabubar Rahman.
The Porichalona Porshod (PP): The PP is comparable to Syndicate of the public universities and is the second highest authority. It runs the administration of the University within the policy guidelines provided by BOG. The Porichalona Porshod consists of BOG members, Vice Chancellor, Pro Vice Chancellor, Treasurer, and Chairman of the Deans’ committee.
The Chief Executive Officer: The Vice Chancellor is the chief executive and academic officer. He manages the university affairs with the help of the following statutory bodies: Academic Council, Finance Committee, Dean's Committee, Degree Review Committee, Academic Review Committee, Curriculum Committee, Faculty Search Committee, Faculty Selection Committee, Planning and Development Committee, Travel and Research Grants Committee, Leave Committee, Library Committee, Disciplinary Committee and similar other committees. All statutory bodies operate under the provision of the Statutes prepared and occasionally revised by BOG within the framework of PUA 1992.
NSU has its Pro Vice Chancellor and Treasurer. The Pro VC discharges the duties
delegated to him by the Vice Chancellor /BOG. The Treasurer prepares the annual budget
of the university and presents the same to BOG for approval. He works as the custodian
of university funds. The Registrar maintains the university records including
admissions and examination results and keeps liaison with Ministry of Education,
University Grants Commission (UGC) and other relevant authorities.
