Background

Gono Bishwabidyalay – a university with a difference- has been established to provide a high quality of education to meet the demands of the modern age. The objective of the Gono Bishwabidyalay is to foster the national and global development process through the creation of a centre of excellence in higher education that is responsive to society’s needs, particularly social development and human welfare. And to produce highly skilled manpower, visionary leaders and enlightened citizen by imparting high quality higher education and training so that individuals can achieve their intellectual, social, and personal potentials.

Gono Bishwabidyalay (GB) was established by Gonoshasthaya Kendra (GK) Public Charitable Trust that came into being during our glorious War of Liberation in 1971. It is noteworthy thatGonoshasthaya Kendra (People’s Health Centre), one of the pioneering NGOs in Bangladesh is well known all over the world. The GK’s role since 1972 in the development of women and reducing gender inequality has had far-reaching effect. Moreover, by bringing into effect a system of health insurance, protection of women’s right, preservation of folk culture and art, and by playing a leading role in the formulation of Bangladesh National Drug Policy, the GK has benefited the country in many ways. GK continually revisits its approaches to ensure its effectiveness as a catalyst for positive change. No wonder these services have been recognized by all concerned and GK was honored with many awards, such as – The Independence Day Award in 1978, Magsaysay Award in 1985 and in 1992 Right Livelihood Award from Swedish Parliament. With the same dedicated spirit and vision Gono Bishwabidyalay was established by GK on 14 July, 1998.

In line with GK’s continued support to education, the concept of Gono Bishwabidyalay was originated and established in 1994 in accordance with Bangladesh National Parliament Private University Act-1992. Gono Bishwabidyalay is a “not for profit” institution accredited by the University Grants Commission (UGC) and also approved by the Ministry of Education, Government of Bangladesh.

Most of the teachers of Gono Bishwabidyalay are full time, highly qualified, and well trained. It is worth mentioning, though the education provided by Gono Bishwabidyalay is of very high standard, its educational expenses are much less than that of other private universities in Bangladesh. It is, in fact, less than half and even within the reach of ordinary guardians. The education programmes of Gono Bishwabidyalay are semester based (six months). So the students can acquire standard education easily which is the case with universities in developed countries of the world.