Thakurgaon:The University Grants Commission (UGC) has granted preliminary approval for the establishment of six departments at Thakurgaon University, subject to eight specific conditions.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the university initially proposed launching 15 departments across seven faculties to commence academic operations at the newly established public university. After a thorough review, the UGC committee approved six departments.
Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. Mohammad Israfil confirmed the approval, expressing satisfaction with the development. The approval was communicated via a letter from Dr. Md Mahibul Ahsan, the additional director of the UGC's Public University Management Division.
The approved departments include Artificial Intelligence and Data Science under the Faculty of Engineering and Technology, Agriculture under the Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, Multimedia and Creative Technology under the Faculty of Arts and Humanities, Accounting under the Faculty of Business Studies, Environmental Science under the Faculty of Earth and Environmental Sciences, and Public Health under the Faculty of Life Sciences.
The UGC's conditions require the university to submit house-rent agreements, building plans, and academic layouts for three buildings, along with a no-objection certificate from the municipality. The university must also adapt rented buildings for academic use promptly and inform the UGC once these conditions are met.
Additionally, Thakurgaon University has to provide course curricula and ensure the presence of necessary laboratories, library facilities, and other academic infrastructure before launching the programs. Details of required manpower, including faculty and staff, must be submitted, along with authentic documents for 80 acres of land acquired for the university.
Professor Dr. Mohammad Israfil stated that the university aims to admit students in the 2026-27 academic session. The institution has joined the integrated admission test system and will establish a cluster admission test center for the first time in Thakurgaon, which is expected to create a vibrant atmosphere in the city.
Currently, administrative activities are conducted from a rented building, with academic activities set to start in similar premises. The government has allocated 8.55 acres for the university's permanent campus, with work on a feasibility study, master plan, and project proposal for its development underway.