Press Release
21 October, 2026, 11:20 am
Last modified: 21 October, 2026, 11:26 am
National University marks its 34th founding anniversary today (21 October), highlighting its role in expanding access to higher education through 2,318 affiliated colleges and educational institutions across Bangladesh.
The university was established following the passage of Act No 37 in parliament on 20 October 1992 and the publication of a gazette notification the following day, according to the press release.
Established under the leadership of then prime minister Begum Khaleda Zia, the university aimed to widen access to higher education, ease growing pressure on existing universities and ensure coordinated management of college education at the district and upazila levels.
Since its establishment, the university has provided higher education opportunities for students in remote areas, particularly young people from middle-income, lower-middle-income and marginalised families.
Around 40 lakh students currently study at its affiliated colleges and educational institutions, which have more than one lakh teachers. The university accounts for approximately 70% of the country's higher education provision.
More than one crore graduates are contributing to education, administration, business, industry, technology and social development at home and abroad.
To keep pace with a changing world and address the challenges of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, National University is working to modernise its curricula, expand teacher training, reduce academic session delays and increase opportunities for research.
A special supplement has been published to mark the anniversary. Banners have also been displayed at the main gates and buildings of the university's main campus and city office, while a prayer session has been arranged at its central mosque.