North South University

North South University (Bengali: নর্থ সাউথ বিশ্ববিদ্যালয়, also known as NSU) is a private research university in Dhaka, Bangladesh. It was established in 1992 under the Private University Act, 1992 by the then Foundation for Promotion of Education and Research (FPER), a charitable, non-profit, non-commercial and non-political organization. The FPER later was renamed as the NSU Foundation and is presently called The North South Foundation for Education and Research.[3]

North South University
নর্থ সাউথ বিশ্ববিদ্যালয়
Seal of North South University
Crest of North South University
MottoCenter of Excellence in Higher Education[1]
TypePrivate, Research
Established1992; 32 years ago (1992)
Accreditation
AffiliationUniversity Grants Commission (UGC)
ChancellorPresident Mohammed Shahabuddin
Vice-ChancellorAbdul Hannan Chowdhury
Academic staff
1291 (2017)
Administrative staff
544 (2017)
Students26,000 (2020)[2]
Undergraduates17,517 (2017)
Postgraduates2,508 (2017)
Address, ,
1229
,
23°48′55″N 90°25′32″E / 23.815222°N 90.425657°E / 23.815222; 90.425657
CampusUrban, 5.5 acres (2.2 ha)
LanguageEnglish
Colors     
Navy Blue, White and Dodger Blue
Websitenorthsouth.edu
North South University campus

The university is ranked among the top universities in Bangladesh.[4][5] Its business school is the first Bangladeshi university to receive American accreditation from the ACBSP in 2015.[6]

Campus

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The university's campus is located in Bashundhara Residential Area in Dhaka. It is one of the largest private universities in Bangladesh in terms of student population. The foundation of the campus was laid on 30 January 2003 by Begum Khaleda Zia, then prime minister of Bangladesh.[7] Classes started in the permanent (current) campus from 9 June 2009.[8]

The campus can serve up to 12,000 students with amenities and facilities. It contains six buildings with three basements on seven acres of land having 1,250,000 square feet of floor space.[9]

Library

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The NSU library has over 70,000 square feet (6,500 m2) floor area on the southeastern side of the campus. It is the first fully automated university library in Bangladesh using its own library management software.[10][11] which supports RFID system, 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 in its reading rooms. On average 2,000 students use the library every day.

As of August 2014, the library holds 49,500 books, 50,000 online books, 6,000 bound journals (foreign and local), magazines, 1,890 CD-ROM databases, books, 226 DVDs and videos, 159 audio-cassettes, and other resources.[12]

Administration

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There is a separate admin building dedicated to administration activities.

List of vice-chancellors

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Academic departments

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The university's departments are organized into four schools.

SAC and Admin Building
Bridge between SAC and NAC

School of Business and Economics (SBE)

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The School of Business and Economics (SBE) at North South University is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP).[17] It is the first Business school in Bangladesh to receive American accreditation.[6] SBE of NSU secured the Global Rank of 401–450 in Business and Management Studies in the QS World University Rankings 2020.[18] The School of Business and Economics (SBE) consists of four departments.

  • Department of Accounting & Finance
  • Department of Economics
  • Department of Management
  • Department of Marketing & International Business

School of Engineering & Physical Sciences (SEPS)

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The School of Engineering & Physical Sciences (SEPS) intends to be a center of excellence in innovation and technological entrepreneurship by building a knowledge and skill-based learning environment for students in the field of engineering, architecture and physical sciences with adequate technical competency, social responsibility, communication skill and ethical standard. The Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering has three majors in undergraduate programs.

  • Department of Architecture
  • Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering
  • Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering [19]
    • Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and Engineering (BSCSE) [20]
    • Bachelor of Science in Electrical and Electronic Engineering (BSEEE)[21]
    • Bachelor of Science in Electronics and Telecommunication Engineering (BSETE) [22]

School of Humanities & Social Sciences (SHSS)

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  • Department of English & Modern Languages
  • Department of Law
  • Department of History & Philosophy
  • Department of Political Science & Sociology

School of Health & Life Sciences (SHLS)

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  • Department of Biochemistry & Microbiology
  • Department of Environmental Science and Management
  • Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences
  • Department of Public Health

Institutes

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NSU has several institutes and centers.

In front of Central Library

Institute of Development, Environment and Strategic Studies (IDESS)

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The Institute of Development, Environment and Strategic Studies (IDESS) is a research center.[23]

NSU Global Health Institute (NGHI)

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The NSU Global Health Institute (NGHI) at NSU was established NGHI for the discovery and competency development of human welfare aiming to build strengthen the emerging field of global health response and leadership.[24]

NSU Genome Research Institute (NGRI)

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The NSU Genome Research Institute (NGRI) at NSU was established on 14 May 2017, for the discovery and competency development of human welfare aiming to build and strengthen the emerging field of genomic research field leadership, which is the first genomic research institute in Bangladesh [25]

Confucius Institute

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The Confucius Institute at NSU was established in February 2006, the only language institute in Bangladesh which offers Chinese-language only education.[26]

Student Counselling Center (SCC)

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The North South University-Student Counseling Center (NSU-SCC) is a support system for the students of the university and addresses their emotional well-being. It serves as a primary mental health care unit, and as such it offers taking therapy and advice for further referrals. It has no jurisdiction over the academic and administrative affairs of the university.[27]

Career and Placement Center (CPC)

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The Career and Placement Center (CPC) is a comprehensive career management support platform for NSU students.[28]

Center for Infrastructure Research and Services (CIRS)

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Center for Infrastructure Research and Services (CIRS, NSU) can offer access to the university's state-of-the-art laboratory equipment and facilities to companies of all sizes for a wide range of testing and analysis services. The services which it offers reflect the breadth and depth of the university's research capabilities, from independent testing services to collaborative prototype generation. The center has expert technicians, servicemen, and staff under the direct supervision of faculty members to carry out the tests and analyses. CIRS undertakes research, testing, and consultation work in the field of engineering, construction management, and environmental issues as required by private, government, or autonomous bodies.[29]

NSU Center for Business Research (NSU CBR)

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There was a strong need at the NSU business research community for a platform focusing on building, storing, investigating, analyzing, and learning through research activities on business and economic phenomena in Bangladesh and the world. Based on these overarching needs, a new Center for Business Research was established.[30]

Economics Research Platform (NSU ERP)

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This platform was established with the intention of facilitating economic research and policy analysis. It currently holds seminars, workshops and conferences.[31]

Publications

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The university publishes a journal called Panini.[32]

Rankings

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University rankings
Global – Overall
QS World[33]851-900 (2024)
THE World[34]601-800 (2023)
Global – Business and economics
QS Business[35]351-400 (2021)
QS Economics[36]451-500 (2024)
Global – Science and engineering
QS Engineering & Tech.[37]551 (2020)
THE Engineering[38]301-400 (2023)
Regional – Overall
QS Asia[39]191 (2024)

In the latest World University Rankings 2023 published by Times Higher Education, NSU ranked joint top among all universities in Bangladesh.[40] In the 2024 QS World University Rankings, NSU achieved a ranking of 851-900 globally.[41] In the same year, they ranked 191st among all Asian universities.[42] Furthermore, they ranked 351-400 and 451-500 in the QS subject rankings for "Business and Management Studies" and "Economics and Econometrics" respectively.[43] In addition to which, they also ranked in the 651-700 band for "Computer and Information Systems".[43]

Moreover, they ranked 301–500 in the "Graduate Employability Ranking 2020"[44] published by the higher education information service provider Quacquarelli Symonds (QS), which indicates how well students from a university can gain a foothold in the global job market.

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Notable people

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Faculty

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Alumni

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Controversies

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  • The University Grants Commission investigated NSU in 2012, 2016, and 2019. Each probe found rampant corruption and administrative irregularities.[55] Because the UGC found that some members of the board of trustees were "involved in anti-state activities, sponsorship of militancy, corruption and arbitrariness", President Abdul Hamid reconstituted the board in August 2022, dismissing seven members and adding three new ones.[56]
  • Former students involved in militancy: In 2016, some former students of NSU and faculty members were found to have links with militant activities.[57] Some of them were involved in violent armed assaults.[58][59] Later, investigators found printed materials published by militant groups in a library.[57] UGC suggested measures to curb the involvement by student attendance tracking, online monitoring by guardians and student participation in social activities.[60]
  • In 2021 some of the trustees allegedly used the university and misused power,[61] they allegedly raised their sitting allowance to up to 10 times the approved rate and got themselves luxury cars[62] at the expense of the students.[63][64]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ "NSU in brief". North South University.
  2. ^ "Annual Report 2017". University Grants Commission.
  3. ^ "NSU: A BRIEF HISTORY". North South University. Retrieved 29 May 2023.
  4. ^ "NSU celebrates global university ranking result". The Business Standard. 20 October 2022. Retrieved 29 May 2023.
  5. ^ "DU, NSU ranked as top Bangladeshi universities in THE rankings". New Age. Retrieved 29 May 2023.
  6. ^ a b "NSU receives ACBSP Certificate". Daily Sun (Press release). 22 June 2016.
  7. ^ "New Campus Foundation Stone Laying Ceremony". North South University. Archived from the original on 16 July 2011. Retrieved 2 March 2010.
  8. ^ "NSU commences classes at the new campus". North South University. Archived from the original on 27 May 2010. Retrieved 2 March 2010.
  9. ^ "NSU holds Fall 2009 orientation Ceremony at its own campus". North South University. Archived from the original on 16 July 2011. Retrieved 2 March 2010.
  10. ^ "Use of ICT in Libraries: An Empirical Study of Selected Libraries in Bangladesh". Archived from the original on 13 July 2016. Retrieved 7 March 2010.
  11. ^ "Library Automation in Bangladesh: The Dhaka University Library Experiences". Retrieved 7 March 2010.
  12. ^ NSU Library. "Library At a glance". North South University. Retrieved 2 March 2010.
  13. ^ "Dr Siddiqi, NSU vice-chancellor". The Daily Star. 3 January 2003. Retrieved 22 December 2017.
  14. ^ "In a Nutshell". The Daily Star. 2 August 2014. Retrieved 14 March 2019.
  15. ^ https://www.aamu.edu/academics/colleges/business-public-affairs/about-college/deans-office-staff.html Amin U. Sarkar
  16. ^ "নর্থ সাউথ ইউনিভার্সিটির নতুন উপাচার্য হিসেবে নিয়োগ পেলেন অধ্যাপক আবদুল হান্নান". The Daily Star Bangla (in Bengali). 12 September 2024. Retrieved 13 September 2024.
  17. ^ "North South University". Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs.
  18. ^ "NSU only PVT university in Bangladesh ranked by subject in QS Ranking 2020". The Daily Star. 26 July 2020.
  19. ^ "Electrical and Computer Engineering". North South University.
  20. ^ "Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and Engineering". North South University.
  21. ^ "Bachelor of Science in Electrical and Electronic Engineering". North South University.
  22. ^ "ETE Course Module".
  23. ^ "IDESS". North South University.
  24. ^ "NSU Global Health Institute (NGHI): About Us". North South University.
  25. ^ "NSU Genome Research Institute (NGRI)".
  26. ^ "Confucius Institute in Bangladesh cements relations". China Daily. Retrieved 1 March 2010.
  27. ^ "Student Counseling Center | North South University".
  28. ^ "Career & Placement Center (CPC)".
  29. ^ "CIRS".
  30. ^ "NSU Center for Business Research".
  31. ^ "Economics Research Platform". www.northsouth.edu. Retrieved 19 December 2023.
  32. ^ "Panini: NSU Studies in Language & Literature". North South University. Archived from the original on 9 June 2010. Retrieved 21 January 2009.
  33. ^ "QS World University Rankings 2024". Quacquerelli Symonds. Retrieved 25 April 2024.
  34. ^ "THE World University Rankings 2023". Times Higher Education. 4 October 2022. Retrieved 12 October 2022.
  35. ^ "QS University Rankings 2021". Quacquarelli Symonds. Retrieved 27 May 2021.
  36. ^ "NSU ranked in QS Subject 2024 for three subject categories". The Daily Star. 18 April 2024.
  37. ^ "QS University Rankings 2021". Quacquarelli Symonds. Retrieved 27 May 2021.
  38. ^ "THE World University Rankings 2023 by Subject: Engineering". Times Higher Education. 6 October 2022. Retrieved 30 October 2022.
  39. ^ "QS World University Rankings: Asia 2024". Quacquarelli Symonds. Retrieved 25 April 2024.
  40. ^ "NSU celebrates global university ranking result". The Business Standard. 20 October 2022. Retrieved 24 April 2023.
  41. ^ "North South University". Top Universities. Retrieved 25 April 2024.
  42. ^ "QS Asia University Rankings 2024 - Overall". Top Universities. Retrieved 25 April 2024.
  43. ^ a b "NSU ranked in QS Subject 2024 for three subject categories". The Daily Star. 18 April 2024. Retrieved 27 May 2024.
  44. ^ "Graduate Employability Rankings 2020". 23 May 2024.
  45. ^ "Syed Alamgir made new MD of Akij group Ventures". The Business Standard. 2 March 2021.
  46. ^ "Reuters' Ponir Hossain discusses his Pulitzer Prize-winning photos". Dhaka Tribune.
  47. ^ "21 Anniversary Supplement". The Daily Star. Retrieved 20 December 2023.
  48. ^ "The Torture of Tasneem Khalil". Human Rights Watch. 13 February 2008. Retrieved 20 December 2023.
  49. ^ Shazu, Shah Alam (21 October 2011). "Lucky Strikes". The Daily Star.
  50. ^ "Meet the Bangladeshi building a legacy in French luxury fashion". The Business Standard. 27 June 2021. Retrieved 20 December 2023.
  51. ^ Shazu, Shah Alam (13 September 2012). "Crowning glory". The Daily Star.
  52. ^ এক দশক পেরিয়ে কুসুম সিকদার. banglanews24.com (in Bengali). 13 March 2012.
  53. ^ "Happy birthday, Tisha". Daily Sun. 19 February 2018.
  54. ^ Hassan, Mainul (20 April 2008). "Topu talks about his songs, Yaatri and going solo". The Daily Star.
  55. ^ Salman, Md Solamain (7 December 2019). "North South University dips in corruption". Daily Sun.
  56. ^ Alamgir, Mohiuddin (24 August 2024). "Row among trustees spells trouble for NSU". The Daily Star.
  57. ^ a b "Govt alert about goings-on in North South University, says Nahid". bdnews24.com. 10 July 2016.
  58. ^ "Bangladesh Says It Now Knows Who's Killing the Bloggers". The New York Times. 8 June 2016.
  59. ^ "Terrorism: UGC team visits Dhaka's North South University". bdnews24.com. 14 July 2016.
  60. ^ "NSU students under surveillance". Dhaka Tribune. 15 July 2016. Archived from the original on 26 August 2017.
  61. ^ "Two ex-NSU trustees get conditional bail from HC". 10 November 2022.
  62. ^ "Eight former and current NSU trustees prosecuted for 'embezzlement' over luxury cars". bdnews24.com.
  63. ^ Alamgir, Mohiuddin; Khan, Mahbubur Rahman (6 July 2022). "North South University Scams: When trust takes a back seat". The Daily Star.
  64. ^ "Expensive cars of NSU trustees discussed by Appellate Division". The Business Standard. 17 August 2021.
  65. ^ "নর্থ সাউথের ট্রাস্টি বোর্ড অবৈধ: হাইকোর্ট". Daily Jugantor (in Bengali). 20 August 2024.
  66. ^ "নর্থ সাউথের পুনর্গঠিত বোর্ড অব ট্রাস্টিজ অবৈধ ঘোষণা". Dhaka Post (in Bengali). 20 August 2024. Archived from the original on 20 August 2024.

Further reading

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