In 2003, Bangladesh Institute of Technology (BIT), Khulna underwent conversion and upgrade to Khulna University of Engineering & Technology through legislation passed in the National Parliament of Bangladesh. Subsequently, the BITs’ council was dissolved, and the University began to be overseen by the University Grants Commission (UGC) of Bangladesh. Like other universities, it required approval, cooperation, and coordination from the UGC, Ministry of Education, and Planning Commission for decision-making and development. Following the conversion, the BIT Director assumed the role of Vice-Chancellor per the University Act until a new Vice-Chancellor was appointed. After 11 months, on July 29, 2004, Prof. Dr. Ehsanul Hoque from Bangladesh University of Engineering & Technology (BUET) assumed the Vice-Chancellorship until August 27, 2006. Successively, Professor Dr. Md. Nawsher Ali Morol, from the Mechanical Engineering Department, served as Vice-Chancellor until July 20, 2010. Dr. Muhammed Alamgir, from the Department of Civil Engineering, succeeded him on July 21, 2010. Having completed a successful first term, Professor Alamgir continued as Vice-Chancellor for a second term starting August 3, 2014, until August 2, 2018. Dr. Quazi Sazzad Hossain, a Professor from the Department of Civil Engineering, assumed the Vice-Chancellorship on August 13, 2018. Post-upgradation to a University, existing rules and regulations pertaining to academic, administrative, financial, and developmental activities were revised accordingly. Additionally, a new organizational structure was devised and received final approval from the Ministry of Education in 2011. This structure encompasses academic degree and non-degree programs, research, development, and a structural plan up to 2018-2019.
In the new University, new departments, institutes, and necessary infrastructures are actively under development and construction. Currently, the university boasts three faculties, three institutes, and eighteen departments. According to the ongoing plan, by June 2019, one more faculty, one additional institute, and three new departments will be inaugurated and operational.
The university currently houses several faculties, including Civil Engineering, Electrical and Electronic Engineering, and Mechanical Engineering. The establishment of a new Faculty named the Faculty of Science & Engineering is currently underway. In 2007, two Post Graduate Departments, Energy Technology (ET) (now renamed as Energy Science & Engineering) and Bio-Medical Engineering (BME), commenced their activities by admitting students at the Post Graduate level. The Institute of Information and Communication Technology (IICT), The Institute of Disaster Management (IDM), and The Institute of Environment and Power Technology (IEPT) were established in 2010, 2014, and 2016 respectively. Post the university’s upgrade to KUET in 2003, four new undergraduate departments were initiated: Urban and Regional Planning (URP) and Leather Engineering (LE) in 2010, Textile Engineering (TE) in 2012, and Building Engineering and Construction Management (BECM) in 2014, each admitting 60 students annually. Furthermore, in the 2014-15 session, the Bio-Medical Engineering department expanded its academic activities at the undergraduate level with an annual intake of 30 students. Under the Faculty of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, the Materials Science and Engineering (MSE) department started its journey in May 2016, offering a Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) in engineering degree with an annual intake of 60 students. The Architecture department of KUET started its academic journey in February 2017 with 40 students. Additionally, two new departments, Mechatronics Engineering and Chemical Engineering, were established. The total number of undergraduate students has increased to 1065 for admission in the first year and is projected to further rise to 1385. Currently, there are 5934 students, including 4834 undergraduates and 1100 postgraduates. The number of faculty and staff is planned to increase by 2018-2019 to accommodate 7700 students, 618 teachers, 216 officers, and 728 staff members. Research activities have also expanded significantly, leading to degrees awarded to Ph.D. students, M.Phil. students, M.Sc. Engineering students, and undergraduate students. KUET has held convocations three times in 2006, 2012, and 2018 to confer degrees by the Hon’ble Chancellor of the University.
The establishment of new departments necessitates infrastructure improvements. Government agencies such as the University Grants Commission (UGC), Ministry of Education, and Planning Commission collaborate with university authorities to develop necessary resources and infrastructure. Currently, a major project under the Ministry of Education is underway. Additionally, the Academic Innovation Fund (AIF), funded by the World Bank, has been allocated to the university through HEQEP of UGC and Ministry of Education (MoE). These initiatives primarily focus on expanding automation and enriching academic and research endeavors, thereby contributing to the university’s overall development.
The continuous development initiatives for academic and research infrastructure are being strategically planned to meet the nation’s demands and necessities. Concurrently, the central library underwent an upgrade and relocation to the new academic building, aiming to offer additional space and create an appealing reading environment. Notably, the Central Library has recently achieved full automation, marking a significant milestone as the first among Bangladesh’s public universities to implement this technology.
A beautifully designed Main Gate Complex featuring modern architectural concepts welcomes visitors, along with the Great Liberation War Memorial Monument “Durbar Bangla” and the Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Hall accommodating nearly seven hundred seats. Construction work for extending the new Academic Building up to the 4th floor has concluded, while work on the fifth floor is currently underway. Additionally, progress has been made on constructing a modern Medical Centre equipped with enhanced facilities, a Guest House combined with a Club Building, a High Voltage Lab, a Leather Engineering Building, and a new Block for Rokeya Hall up to the first floor, along with a Utility Bhaban. Furthermore, a four-storied Residential Building for Senior Teachers and Officers and the extension of the Administrative Building up to the first floor have recently been completed.
Additionally, recent completion includes the construction of the Students Welfare Centre cum Central Cafeteria, Shaheed Minar, URP building, extension of Civil and Mechanical building, and the third floor of the Planning & Engineering Building. The university authority is also in the process of planning the renovation of the Science Building Gallery, Auditorium, Campus roads, and several other older buildings. Furthermore, the university playground has been revamped and expanded, featuring an international standard cricket pitch for student use. Janata Bank and Dutch Bangla Bank have installed their ATM booths respectively. The construction of a new office building for Janata Bank, adjacent to the post office building, has been finalized. Additionally, there are plans underway to construct a temple to accommodate the religious activities of the Hindu communities.
Over time, Khulna University of Engineering and Technology has evolved into a prominent public university in Bangladesh, with a distinct focus on Engineering and Technological Education and research. KUET is renowned for delivering exceptionally high-quality educational, research, and developmental programs across various engineering disciplines and basic sciences. The university is committed to achieving excellence in providing quality education, conducting impactful research, and advancing progress to meet the current needs of the country and the South-Western region, aspiring to be recognized as a “Centre of Excellence.”
