Parliament on Tuesday passed the Bogura University Bill, 2026, aiming to establish a fully-fledged public university in Bogura by replacing the earlier law that envisaged a science and technology university but was never implemented.
The bill was introduced by Education Minister Dr ANM Ehsanul Hoque Milon and it was passed by a voice vote.
According to the statement of objectives attached to the bill, the Bogura Science and Technology University Act, 2001, though published in the official gazette on July 15, 2001, was never brought into force.
As administrative and academic preparations for the proposed university are now underway, the government has decided to replace the earlier concept of a science and technology university with a comprehensive public university offering education and research across a broader range of disciplines.
The proposed legislation seeks to establish Bogura University as a fully-fledged institution offering undergraduate and postgraduate education in science, life sciences, engineering, technology, arts, social sciences, business administration, law, agriculture, medical sciences and other emerging fields of knowledge.
The statement said the draft law has been prepared in line with the Prime Minister's commitment to establish a comprehensive university in Bogura to meet the growing demand for higher education and research in the region.
It noted that nearly 95 percent of the provisions of the existing 2001 law require amendment. As a result, the government opted to enact a new law instead of amending the previous legislation.
The proposed university is expected to expand access to quality higher education for students from Bogura and the greater northern region, while strengthening research, innovation and technical skills development.
The government believes the institution will contribute to producing skilled human resources, promoting agricultural development, creating employment opportunities and supporting economic growth.
The statement said establishing a comprehensive public university in Bogura is both necessary and justified to expand higher education opportunities and help achieve the country's long-term development goals within the stipulated timeframe.