Brief History

International University of Business Agriculture and Technology

A History

IUBAT—International University of Business Agriculture and Technology is the first non-government university established in Bangladesh. The initial planning began in 1989 and the university was established in 1991. Degree programs started in 1992 with agreement with Assumption University of Bangkok, Thailand.

IUBAT strongly lobbied for the creation of non-government universities and supported the initiative of the Government of Bangladesh in passing legislation for formal establishment of non-government universities in the country. IUBAT now operates as a government approved university under the Non-Government University Act of 1992.

The tremendous need for developing human resources of the society to bring in socio‑economic transformation through the agro‑economic‑industrial development process constituted the background for establishing IUBAT.

The less than satisfactory condition of existing universities and the wide gap between demand and supply (in quantity, quality and variety) provided additional basis to think of making an investment in human resources development through which fundamental economic and social problems of the society can be tackled by the people on a self-reliant basis.

This thought process was accelerated in March, 1989 during a 3 week visit to Kansas State University by Dr. M. Alimullah Miyan, Director of Institute of Business Administration (IBA), Dhaka University, where research and consultation led to development of a paper incorporating the idea of a non-government university and also that of a cooperative agreement with the Kansas State University to support the realization of the idea.
A formal representation was made to the Ministry of Education, Government of Bangladesh in June, 1989 on the establishment of this new university.

IUBAT is geared to effectively contribute to agro‑economic, technological and social development of Bangladesh. The aim is to promote higher professional education with relevance to those growth areas of the economy which require qualified human resources and create a climate of professionalism and scholasticism to promote further development of the society.

It is contended that the fundamental economic problems of the society can be tackled by people through an investment in human resources development and in the process promote self reliance in agro‑economic development and higher education.

Since establishment, IUBAT  has grown steadily. IUBAT now offers one program leading to a post graduate degree, nine programs leading to professional bachelor degrees and two programs leading to professional diplomas.

In the short run, IUBAT has plans to add a few new programs. In the long run, IUBAT plans to offer programs in most of the professional disciplines relevant to a developing society.

IUBAT operates as a non-profit institution and offers academically rigorous, but practical, instruction in professional disciplines. Md. Alimullah Miyan is the Founder of IUBAT and recognized by the Government of Bangladesh as the Founder of the university.
The institution derived inspiration from a group of educationists and professionals from within the country and abroad.

Welcome to IUBAT — the first non-government institution of its kind in Bangladesh. Established in 1991, IUBAT is now a government approved university, which has forged a reputation of quality and commitment among education institutions at home and abroad.

When IUBAT was originally established, it set out to provide an institution of higher learning which would focus on business administration, agriculture and technology aspects that could effectively contribute to the agro-economic and social development of Bangladesh. We believe that we have achieved this by emphasizing investment in human resource development.

IUBAT has shown a dedication and determination to making students hardworking full-fledged citizens of a modern democratic state. In trying to achieve a career and status, it is all too easy for students to forget the responsibilities that they have to each other and to society. In today’s world, it is vital that students realize that the norm of values transcends the individual and the group. IUBAT encourages its students to study objectively different concepts of knowledge and then make choices themselves.

IUBAT academic standards are accepted worldwide, enjoying close links with many universities, institutions and scholarly bodies from all over the world, giving students the opportunity to transfer to relevant programs and higher education in other countries. We are also privileged to receive professors and academics from these countries as visiting faculty as well as host students from the collaborating institutions.

At present, the permanent campus of the university on 5.5 acres of land area with scenic beauty on the bank of river Turag provides a wide range of facilities including computer science, engineering, science, nursing, hospitality and agriculture,  labs, libraries, classrooms, full-time student counselors, cafeterias and playgrounds  all of which help give IUBAT An Environment Designed for Learning.

At IUBAT we aim to make you self-confident and flexible so that you are enabled to realize your true potential. We believe that by attaining your qualifications with us you will undoubtedly enhance prospects of employment and opportunity to play a key role in a rapidly changing social and economic environment. We hope you will choose to take your course with us and we look forward to seeing you in the future.

Professor M Alimullah Miyan, PhD

Founder and 1^st Vice Chancellor

IUBAT has formal cooperative agreements with the following institutions of international repute:

Explorations on academic cooperation are in progress with a number of institutions in Europe, North America, Africa and Asia.

The cooperative universities and institutions provide academic support to IUBAT in institutional development as well as in academic programs. Besides, specific degree and credit transfer agreements have been executed with a few of these institutions. While credit transfer is possible in all institutions across the world as per regulations, these agreements provide for en block transfer of students and degree award of the cooperating university.

Degree programs started in 1992 with agreement with Assumption University of Bangkok, Thailand. IUBAT strongly lobbied for the creation of non-government universities and supported the initiative of the Government of Bangladesh in passing legislation for formal establishment of non-government universities in the country.

IUBAT now operates as a government approved university under the Non-Government University Act of 1992.

The tremendous need for developing human resources of the society to bring in socio‑economic transformation through the agro‑economic‑industrial development process constituted the background for establishing IUBAT.

The less than satisfactory condition of existing universities and the wide gap between demand and supply (in quantity, quality and variety) provided additional basis to think of making an investment in human resources development through which fundamental economic and social problems of the society can be tackled by the people on a self-reliant basis.

This thought process was accelerated in March, 1989 during a 3 week visit to Kansas State University by Dr. M. Alimullah Miyan, Director of Institute of Business Administration (IBA), Dhaka University, where research and consultation led to development of a paper incorporating the idea of a non-government university and also that of a cooperative agreement with the Kansas State University to support the realization of the idea.

A formal representation was made to the Ministry of Education, Government of Bangladesh in June, 1989 on the establishment of this new university.

IUBAT is geared to effectively contribute to agro‑economic, technological and social development of Bangladesh. The aim is to promote higher professional education with relevance to those growth areas of the economy which require qualified human resources and create a climate of professionalism and scholasticism to promote further development of the society.

It is contended that the fundamental economic problems of the society can be tackled by people through an investment in human resources development and in the process promote self reliance in agro‑economic development and higher education.

Since establishment, IUBAT has grown steadily. IUBAT now offers one program leading to a post graduate degree, nine programs leading to professional bachelor degrees and two programs leading to professional diplomas. In the short run, IUBAT has plans to add a few new programs.

In the long run, IUBAT plans to offer programs in most of the professional disciplines relevant to a developing society. IUBAT operates as a non-profit institution and offers academically rigorous, but practical, instruction in professional disciplines.

Md. Alimullah Miyan is the Founder of IUBAT and recognized by the Government of Bangladesh as the Founder of the university. The institution derived inspiration from a group of educationists and professionals from within the country and abroad.

IUBAT is approved by the Government of Bangladesh as a degree granting institution under the Non-Government University Act of 1992. IUBAT curriculum’s have been approved by the University Grants Commission (UGC) of Bangladesh and vetted by cooperating universities abroad. Its academic standards are accepted by the Bangladesh Public Service Commission. IUBAT is a full member of Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU), London and this extended formal recognition of IUBAT degrees in 35 countries or regions of the Commonwealth.

The College of Business Administration of IUBAT has been accepted as a Member of Graduate Management Admission Council of USA. IUBAT is also a member of International Association of University Presidents (IAUP), USA, International Association of University (IAU), France, Asia Pacific Quality Network (APQN), China, International University Network on Cultural and Biological Diversity (IUNCBD), Italy, Regional Center of Expert ices on Education for Sustainable Development (RCE) Greater Dhaka, University Nations Academic Impact Program, The Network for Knowledge Transfer on Sustainable Agricultural Technologies and Improved Market Linking’s in South and Southeast Asia (SATNET), Global Consortium of Higher Education & Research for Agriculture, Association of SAARC Universities, World Poultry Science Association, Association of Management Development Institutions in South Asia (AMDISA), Association of Private Universities of Bangladesh, Community of Science (COS), USA, World Association of Soil and Water Conservation, Thailand and World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms (WWOOF), International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements (IFOAM), Federation of WWOOF Organization (FoWO), International Society for Labor and Social Security Law (ISL&SSL), National Geographic Society, USA and Society for International Development.

IUBAT has been listed in different scholarly directories of global importance such as International Handbook of Universities, Educational Testing Service (ETS), USA, Hobson’s MBA Casebook, UK, The Europa World of Learning, UK, Yearbook of International Organizations, Belgium, Global Directory of Research Institutions, USA and International Education Directory of Colleges and Universities (World-wide accredited institutions), Australia and World Directory of Universities, UNESCO, Paris and ACU Year Book of Commonwealth Universities. IUBAT is one of TOFEL iBTETS testing center in Bangladesh.

As a multi-cultural institution, IUBAT has cooperation arrangements with 81(eighty one) institutions in Europe, America, Canada, Australia, South and South East Asia. Several other cooperation agreements are in the process of finalization. IUBAT is recognized in North America, Europe, Australia and transfer credits from IUBAT are accepted by foreign universities. Graduates from IUBAT are eligible to pursue advanced degrees in any country of the world.

The overall mission of IUBAT is human resources development through appropriate teaching, training and guidance as well as creation of knowledge conducive to socio-agro-economic development of developing societies in general and that of Bangladesh in particular. This overall mission is being attained through offering courses and curricula relating to various aspects of knowledge as well as providing opportunities for individuals to acquire skill and relevant experience in the chosen field of specialization.

The permanent campus of IUBAT is located at 4 Embankment Drive Road, Sector 10, Uttara Model Town, Dhaka with 5½ acres of own land. The panoramic campus surrounded by vast open space and natural scenic beauty at the bank of the river Turag is specially designed by a British architect for a university of the 21^st century.

IUBAT is equipped with a library, computer and other labs, state-of-the-art teaching facilities including multimedia projectors and cafeterias – all to provide a suitable environment specifically designed for effective learning. It has cooperative arrangements with technical institutions in Dhaka for access to established laboratories and workshops for practical sessions, particularly in engineering, agriculture, and other sciences.

Arrangements have been made with hospitals and clinics for practical work in nursing. IUBAT students enjoy several attractive advantages:

• Permanent campus on 5.5 acres of own land
•  Specially designed by a British architect for a university of the 21^st century
•  Healthy environment with scenic beauty on the bank of river Turag
•  Classes with individualized instruction
•  Record of scheduled classes that meet consistently
•  English skills developed in all students
•  Help Sessions under Learning Centers in Mathematics, English and Information Technology
•  Regular Individual Consultations to Students by the Course Instructors
•  Highly equipped laboratories with latest machineries and apparatuse. universal testing machine, subsonic wind tunnel and the like
•  Computer training for all students
•  Excellent national and international faculty including resident faculty from North America and European Union countries and Australia
•  Linkages with many universities with credit transfer and higher study facilities
•  International standard learning experience
•  Professional counseling and guidance
•  Financial support through scholarship, grant, fee waiver, rebate, deferred payment, campus job, special offer, student loan, etc
•  Career guidance with practicum and job placement at home and abroad
•  Extracurricular activities
•  Part of modern Uttara residential area
•  Assistance in finding accommodation at reasonable cost in the locality
•  Well connected with all sections of metropolitan Dhaka and neighboring towns
•  Evening classes for MBA and engineering degree programs
•  Free transportation from city points, Savar, Gazipur and Kaligonj to campus
•  Free shuttle service in Uttara and Tongi
•  Wi-Fi campus

Student Group Health Insurance of up to Tk. 100,000 per year per student

Methods of Instruction

IUBAT programs emphasize task based and participative methods of instruction and use modern teaching aids like multimedia projectors, e-learning, overhead projectors, audios, videos, flipcharts, video-conferencing etc. IUBAT invites professionals from different fields of interest as guest speakers to familiarize the students with advances and trends in the field of interest from within the country and abroad. Seminars on current topics and research issues are conducted periodically.

To ensure effective communication and learning, the methods of instruction are carefully chosen for a course from a wide array of lecture, discussion, case analysis, project work, term paper, film shows, exercises, role play, seminars, supervised reading, organization visits, etc. A heavy reliance is placed on coaching, project work, practice session and laboratory work. Students are encouraged to engage in shared learning by forming study groups and work teams. The program emphasizes development of closer interaction between teachers and students in formal and informal situations for educational and mental development of the students.

Medium of Instruction

English is the medium of communication in the professional world. Academic books, journals, instruction manuals, etc. available in Bangladesh are mostly in English. Faculty members are mostly with wide teaching experiences in different countries using English as medium of instruction. The international faculty also teaches in English. So English is chosen as the medium of instruction and communication in all IUBAT programs, communications and activities unless otherwise specified.

Educational Aids

Students are required to purchase their books and reading materials which they must read critically and attentively, learn to work through texts on their own, understand these and come to class prepared to ask questions and offer interpretation of texts. To develop sound study habits, arrangements are made for supervised reading sessions. Students are required to prepare daily work assignments, participate in class discussions, make presentations and sit for periodical quizzes and tests. Arrangements are also made to hold seminars by executives or academicians on subjects of current and research interests.

Faculty

Educational programs at IUBAT are conducted by qualified and experienced faculty drawn from the country, region and overseas. The faculty composition reflects the application orientation of the university. Efforts of professional teachers are supplemented by persons drawn from application fields in the form of associate faculty. The cooperating universities abroad  are  a big resource base for visiting faculty and arrangements have been made to have visiting faculty  to reflect the intercultural orientation of the university, some of which is also availed through international students admitted to the university. The present faculty composition has been shown in the faculty section of the bulletin.

Organization

IUBAT is organized into colleges, departments and centers for academic activities. The management of the university is conducted in line with the provisions of the Non-Government University Act of 1992. The highest policy making body is the Board of Governors, chaired by the Founder of IUBAT. The Board of Governors has appropriate representation of the Founder, recognized professional groups in the society, academics as well as other interest groups, alumni, donors and contributors to the educational programs of the university. The composition of the present Board of Governors has been shown in the administrative section of the bulletin.

There is an Academic Council, which is the main policy and programming body for academic affairs of the university. The Academic Council decisions are reported and ratified by the Board of Governors. The Academic Council consists of all faculty of IUBAT and meets every month.

IUBAT maintains linkages with a number of academic institutions, whose support and cooperation strengthens its academic base. There is an Overseas Advisory Council of IUBAT, the composition of which has been shown in the last section of the bulletin.

IUBAT does not discriminate in its programs and activities against any person because of race, ethnic origin, ancestry, religion, age, and sex including transgender. This non-discrimination policy applies to admissions, employment, treatment of individuals and access to programs. The university has a pro-active policy towards participation of women and a desirable minimum target of 25% women students in the student body.

The mission of the university is human resources development through education, training and knowledge creation. To ensure that the mission is inclusive, the university’s practice is not to decline application of any qualified women to any academic degree, diploma or any other programs of the university. The theme of the university ‘Higher Education for Every Qualified Person with Finance for Meritorious but Needy’ applies to the women applicants also. The university encourages application by women to enter its educational programs through additional financial scholarship/ waivers which are published in the website, social media and advertisements. The outreach activities of the university implemented by the University Education Extension Unit (UEEU) are directed to encourage women’s access and participation.

The university does not discriminate based on the religion, sexuality, gender and age or challenged people in its employment. From application process to fixing of salary and benefits to annual appraisals, position-based pay and benefits and ensured, that is, an women and man in the same position of teaching or administration or other services enjoys the same benefits. The university encourages women in leading academic and administration positions like Deans, Chair and Program Coordinators or Registrar, Controller, Director etc. The university also encourage women in top three leading administrative positions that are appointed by the honorable President of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh.

Any women aggrieved of discrimination based on religion The university does not discriminate based on the religion, sexuality, gender and age in application to the academic programs or in employment of the university can file appeal in-person or through e-mail to the Registrar of the university (registrar@iubat.edu). The Registrar shall take up the appeal with the Disciplinary Committee for necessary hearing and other formalities, and if found authentic, the appeal shall be forwarded to the Board through Academic Council and Syndicate of the university with recommendation for resolution and corrective measures. The appeal shall be resolved in 90 days from date receipt.

There is an Integrated Haor Development Project (IHDP) of the College of Agricultural Sciences (CAS) at Bancharampur Upazilla of Brahmman Baria District on a Haor (marshy land) of 347 acres (around 141 hectare). The IHDP involves work with the local Fisher (Dibor) Community and the local Upazilla authority to increase fish production and the later activities for improving the overall socioeconomic conditions of the area, more particularly of that of the Dibor Community. The project involves fish farming, fishers’ training, afforestation, nursery, KBAD, women’s training, income generating initiatives, and the like activities. There is an Agricultural Research Station on 100 acres (around 41 hectare) of land at Naikhanchari, Bandarban district which is being developed. This research station will provide facilities to conduct research in highland agriculture, horticulture, floriculture and rubber cultivation. An experimental farm for the College of Agricultural Sciences is being established at Sreepur with the initial land area of around 11 acres. IUBAT College of Agricultural Sciences (ICAS) believes in maintaining organic harmony with the rural community and initiatives are being taken to realize this vision. ICAS is in the process of establishing IUBAT Agricultural Advisory Services (call center) for the farmers who can avail the services of the experts of the ICAS in solving their farm related problem over telephone, SMS, email, mail and personal visits. An website in Bangla has been developed and will be fully operational within first quarter of 2015 (www.iubat.edu/iaas).

The other aspects of service to the rural community are emerging through establishment of ICAS Agriculture-cum-Agro Tourism Service Centers in every agro-ecological zones (30) of Bangladesh. First one of this is the one established in Bancharampur, Brahman Baria named as Integrated Haor Development Project (IHDP). The second one is the Research Station at Bandarban. The third one is the Experimental Farm at Sreepur. The fourth one is being explored at Shampur, Malendah, Jamalpur in collaboration with Rezaul Karim Mia Foundation.

The experimental fields, centres and research stations will be beneficial to the students and researchers of the College of Agricultural Sciences and the College of Hospitality Management and Tourism.

Dhaka is the capital city of Bangladesh with a population of more than 15 million. The city is the seat of the national parliament, government and supreme court. Most of the industrial and business houses have their headquarters in the city. The city is full of greeneries, has several parks, a zoo and a riverfront. There are many historical monuments. It has a growing downtown area. The city has an admixture of traditional and modern life. It is a hospitable and friendly city. Dhaka is well connected with the rest of the country through rail, road, water and air transport. Dhaka has an international airport and major airlines use the same.

Bangladesh lies in the north eastern part of South Asia with the Bay of Bengal on the south of the country. The total area is 147,570sq. km. and the population is about 152 million. Bangladesh generally enjoys a sub-tropical climate. The three prominent seasons are winter, summer and monsoon. The country is rich in flora and fauna. The total forest area covers about 14% of the land area. Varieties of wild animals are found in the forest areas. Sundarban is the home of famous Royal Bengal Tigers and Cheetas.

Bangladesh offers ample tourist attractions. The capital city of Dhaka founded by the Mughals in 1608 has its old buildings and forts belonging to the Mughal period, and hundreds of historic mosques. There are many historical sites of pre-Mughal era, Bhuddist culture and Pala Kings of Bengal in the eighth century A.D. There is a 125 kms long beach at Cox’s Bazar on the Bay of Bengal. There are many seats of natural beauty, including green hills and fascinating mangrove forests.

IUBAT is a Member of

IUBAT is also a member of International Industrial Relations Association (IIRA), Geneva via its Founder.