After a long struggle and movement, the Shahjalal University of Science and Technology was established in 1987. The only university of its kind, it started its career on 14 February 1991 with three departments: Physics, Chemistry and Economics, 13 teachers and 205 students. At the end of 1996, it has expended to three faculties: School of Physical Sciences, School of Applied Science & Technology and School of Social Sciences. Now there are 21 departments under seven faculties. The number of teachers and students has grown in proportion. Besides, the university has three affiliated medical colleges under the School of Medical Sciences and one affiliated Veterinary College under the School of Life Science. Originally situated on 320 acres of land, the university has a master plan of conferring graduate and post-graduate degrees to 5000 students every year under 8 different faculties.
The university introduced the integrated honours course for the first time in Bangladesh and recently it has introduced the semester system from the 1996-97 session. Every year the existing systems are improved, new departments are opened and we hope that within a few years the Shahjalal University of Science and Technology will be one of the finest institutions of this country.
Side by side with the regular academic affairs, the students participate in different extra-curricular activities. The University Student's union and other cultural organizations arrange cultural programmes and competitions. The Debating Clubs usually arranges the inter-department debate competition, the winners of which again take part in the national and inter-university debate competition. The Photographers Association and the Film Societies hold photo exhibitions and film shows. Other organizations like the Science Club, Rovar-scout Club etc. are visible on the campus with their sociocultural activities throughout the year. The students of this university also participate in various sports for recreation and the finest athletes regularly compete in inter-university games like football, handball, volleyball, basketball etc.