Khulna University of Engineering & Technology holds a significant historical background. Though it’s now a university, its journey began 49 years ago. Back in 1967, it started as ‘Khulna Engineering College’ under the University of Rajshahi. However, during the liberation war, its progress halted. After Bangladesh gained independence in 1971, development resumed in full swing. Academic activities officially commenced on June 03, 1974, following the special directive of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the Father of the Nation. Despite facing challenges, it operated as a faculty of Engineering under Rajshahi University, with academic affairs overseen by the university and administration managed by the Ministry of Education. The college’s infrastructure was built by the public works department, and teachers were recruited through the Public Service Commission. With multiple authorities involved, coordination became complex, leading to operational issues, including a pause in new student admissions due to a shortage of teachers. In response, through joint efforts by students, teachers, officers, staff, and professional bodies, Khulna Engineering College and three other engineering colleges in the country became autonomous institutes known as Bangladesh Institute of Technology (BIT) from July 01, 1986.
With renewed hope and enthusiasm, BIT Khulna embarked on a journey to overcome existing limitations and emerge as the ‘Centre of Excellence’ in the southwestern region of Bangladesh. However, the nation’s aspiration for genuine development in engineering education remained unmet. Despite being granted autonomy, BIT struggled to make decisions regarding administrative, financial, and academic matters due to complex systems. Consequently, all BITs launched a vigorous campaign to achieve proper autonomy similar to public universities. Eventually, responding to the people’s aspirations and the demands of the modern age, the government of Bangladesh decided to elevate these four BITs into universities of Engineering & Technology. Thus, BIT Khulna transformed into Khulna University of Engineering & Technology, along with the other BITs, through an act passed by the National Parliament effective from September 01, 2003.
