At present, the higher education in Bangladesh is taking a turn where the incorporation of science and technology has already broadened the spectrum of universities, particularly Private Universities. With a vision to create a center of excellence in teaching-learning, developed skills and enlightened human resources to serve the society, the University of Science and Technology Chittagong (USTC) started its journey in 1989 as Institute of Applied Health Science (IAHS) and later in 1992 became the first private university in the region through the 1992 Private University Act of Government of Bangladesh. The primary objective of establishing USTC is to improve the quality and standard of education in science and technology with special emphasis on medical, pharmaceutical, engineering and social science. National Professor Dr. Nurul Islam (April 1, 1928 - January 24, 2013) an eminent physician and Philanthropist founded and served as the Vice-chancellor of the University of Science and Technology Chittagong. He was a Founding Fellow of the Bangladesh Academy of Sciences since 1973. He also served as the personal physician of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.

Journey Towards Excellence

Having the view for producing competent graduates, the University works to an inclusive world where humanity is served in association with science and technology. With a mission to render a viable and quality education by keeping pace with the challenges of the 21st Century and meet the demands of sustainable development, the USTC continues its journey to promote scientific and technological studies in Bangladesh. Engaging students as lifelong learners and grooming them as professional leaders in the local and international arena, the University is seamlessly providing world-class infrastructure, renowned academicians and a congenial environment for research, effective teaching-learning, innovation, service-oriented consultancy and entrepreneurship. “USTC is being cultivated, grown, and developed as the academy, as the lab, and as the workshop for understanding and mastering the world Man is born to. Institutional Quality Assurance Cell (IQAC) and Quality Assurance Body (QAB) are fully functional at USTC and IAHS. The teaching-learning assessment process and the related

policy is regularly monitored and evaluated by IQAC and QAB as quality is not a destination but a continuous journey towards excellence,” avers Mr. Ahmed Iftekharul Islam, Chairman, BoT,USTC.

USTC offers many different courses over a range of disciplines such as MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery), B. Pharm and M. Pharm, B.Sc in Biochemistry and Biotechnology, B.Sc in Computer Science & Engineering, B.Sc in Electrical & Electronic Engineering EE, BBA, MBA and MBM, BA (Hons.) and MA in English Language and Literature. Accredited by the Government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh, USTC’s curricula and programs have been approved by the University Grants Commission of Bangladesh. Apart from this, the B.Pharm (Hons.) students have to be registered by the Pharmacy Council of Bangladesh, and the MBBS program is accredited by the Bangladesh Medical and Dental Council. The 350- bed Bangabandhu Memorial Hospital (BBMH) with its 500- bed Hospital Annex building is a tertiary hospital in this region with the state- of- art facility for health care service as well as for research activities in the field of Pharmacy, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry & Biotechnology and other related disciplines.

USTC is being cultivated, grown, and developed as the academy, as the lab, and as the workshop for understanding and mastering the world Man is born to

Sheathing the Students from COVID

USTC did not waste any time as soon the pandemic Covid-19 hit Bangladesh and has taken all necessary steps to continue the education offered. With the prescribed national and international standards of quality and excellence including those provided by the professional bodies and organizations, USTC has completed the Self- Assessment, External Peer Review and prepared a Post Self-Assessment Improvement plan which is towards the end of the implementation phase. The curriculums are updated and upgraded to the Outcome-Based curriculum as Per BAC and UGC of Bangladesh. In accordance with the guidelines from the UGC and the practical conditions around, the University made sure that no students get affected in their educational activities. Maintaining the health codes by the government, all the stakeholders of the University are continuing their programs efficiently. The USTC is committed to translate into actions the programs, projects and activities related to the sustainable delivery of quality management operation system. In view of this commitment, the University shall exert its best efforts to harmonize its action through collaboration, cooperation and consultation with every unit and components of the University.

USTC has been in a league of its own ever since its inception as it had boldly chosen to teach courses that were not offered at the time at any other Universities in the Chattogram division, some not even in the whole country. It started small but has been growing sustainably ever since. In addition, the University has produced quality graduates who are working in academia, industry and in other sectors with a reputation. All these and a history of nearly three decades lend it a unique legacy of which our prospective students would be proud to be part. “International Quality Crown (IQC) award was presented to University of Science and Technology Chittagong (USTC) on November 25, 2012, in London based on IQC regulations and criteria of the QC 100. Total Quality Management Model, USTC has been designated to receive the award in the gold category. The robotic Team ‘Algos’ of USTC has become the champion in the prestigious International Robotic Competition (IRC) in 2020. Graduates from the Faculty of Medicine, USTC are working as Secretary, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Nepal and as President of Nepal Medical Association,” concludes Dr. Nurul Islam.