East West University

East West University (Bengali: ইস্ট ওয়েস্ট বিশ্ববিদ্যালয়, also known as EWU), is a private university located in Aftabnagar, Dhaka of Bangladesh.

This article is about the university in Dhaka, Bangladesh. For the university in Chicago, see East–West University.

East West University

ইস্ট ওয়েস্ট বিশ্ববিদ্যালয় [1]
Other name	EWU
Motto	Excellence in Education
Type	Private
Established	1996
Chairperson	Syed Manzur Elahi
Chancellor	President Abdul Hamid
Vice-Chancellor	M. M. Shahidul Hassan
Academic staff	Full time: 210[2] Adjunct: 70[2]
Students	10,400 [3] (2013)
Undergraduates	8,399 (2013)
Postgraduates	2,034 (2013)
Location	Dhaka , Bangladesh
Campus	Urban
Colors	Blue
Affiliations	University Grants Commission
Website	www.ewubd.edu

#Redirect Ewu

History

The culture of private universities in Bangladesh started in the early 1990s. During that period, the government felt that the existing public universities were not sufficient to meet the demand for tertiary education in the country. Moreover, to maintain their quality of education, most of the public universities in Bangladesh kept themselves selective and as a result, each year a large number of students failed to get admitted into higher educational institutions.

These issues led the government to permit the establishment of private universities, and on 9 August 1992, the Private University Act (Act 34) 1992 was passed.

East West University was established in 1996 as a non-profit organization. The university is the first major project of the Progoti Foundation for Education and Development (PFED), a non-profit, non-political, charitable organization maintained by a group of academics, business leaders, professionals and education enthusiasts led by Mohammed Farashuddin, economist and former governor of Bangladesh Bank.[4]

BBA, BSc in Computer Science and BA in English at the previous campus at 45, Mohakhali Commercial Area, Dhaka. The university has some 10,400 students, in its Aftab Nagar Campus, Dhaka.

Campus

Outside View of EWU

In May 2012, the university shifted to its permanent campus. The permanent campus of East West University is located in Aftabnagar, Rampura on the Progoti Sarani close to Bangladesh Television on 7.4 bighas of land. Total floor area of the 9 storied university complex is 4,58,957.04 square feet with modern facilities.

East West University has also bought 5.95 acres of land at Mouja: Vadham, P.S Tongi, District: Gazipur. In addition, it has received an allotment of one bigha of land at Uttara from RAJUK.

Library

The readers area in the library

Outside overview of EWU

East West University has a library covering about 11000 sq ft. in the new campus with maps and journal area, and has a photocopy corner, database search corner, and newspaper display section. Each day around 2,200 users visit the library. The library contains 22,000 books, a subscription to 135 international and national journals (hardcopy), 3,300 online journals on its database, subscription to 16 national daily newspapers and around 1,500 CD-ROMs and audio cassettes.[5]

Laboratories

There are laboratories for engineering and science disciplines, and nine computer laboratories with a local network of around 600 PCs and personal VSAT services, if not more.[6] Universities laboratories are shared as follow:[7]

• Computer Communications Laboratories, shared by all departments,
• Digital Systems Laboratory, shared by the engineering departments,
• Electronics Laboratory, shared by the engineering departments,.
• Electrical Circuits and Machine Laboratory, used by the EEE department,
• Network Laboratory, shared by department of CSE and APCE,
• Pharmacy Laboratory, used by department of Pharmacy,
• Physics Laboratory, used by all the science and engineering departments,
• Telecommunication Laboratory, used by the APCE department,
• VLSI Laboratory, shared by CSE and EEE departments,
• Software Engineering Laboratory, shared by only CSE department.
• Database Laboratory, shared by CSE department.
• Artificial Intelligence Laboratory, shared by CSE department.

Structure

East West University has three academic faculties. Each faculty has departments. A dean is the head of each faculty, while departments are headed by chairpersons. The Department of Business Administration is the largest and one of the oldest departments of the university. The Department of Computer Science and the Department of English are the two other founding departments.

• Faculty of Sciences and Engineering
  • Department of Computer Science & Engineering
  • Department of Electrical & Electronic Engineering
  • Department of Electronics & Communications Engineering
  • Department of Pharmacy
  • Department of Mathematical & Physical Sciences
  • Department of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology
  • Department of Civil Engineering
• Faculty of Business and Economics
  • Department of Business Administration
  • Department of Economics
  • Department of MBA/EMBA/MBM Programs
• Faculty of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences
  • Department of English
  • Department of Social Relations
  • Department of Sociology
  • Department of Law
  • Department of Information Studies & Library Management

Academics

Financial support

Merit scholarships

East West University provides scholarships starting from full funding to partial tuition waivers. Each semester the top 10% students of each batch having a CGPA of 3.97 or above are awarded EWU Merit Scholarships which are worth 90,000 BDT at the undergraduate level and 75,000 BDT at the postgraduate level. All other students from the Dean's List are also eligible to receive Medha Lalon Fund Scholarship ranging from 500,000 BDT to 25,000 BDT. Besides, there are 28 directorial scholarships (25,000-20,000 BDT) are available each year for the meritorious students with exceptional case.

Dr. Mohammed Farashuddin, President of the Board of Trustees and Founder

Financial aid

Each semester the university provides financial aid. Students facing financial difficulties (with a CGPA of 3.7 and above, those students who complete at least 30 credits last three semester) can apply once a year for support. It varies from 18,000 BDT to 35,000 BDT. EWU provides 50% tuition waiver for any one of a sibling pair studying simultaneously in the university which is worth around 45,000 BDT per year. It maintains a low tuition fees rate (BDT 4,900 per credit) compared to other leading private universities in Bangladesh. Tuition fees depends on department

Degrees and awards

EWU offers Bachelor of Arts (BA) for English graduate, Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) for Business graduate and Bachelor of Social Science (BSS) for Economics graduate. There are degrees in Business and Economics together in the form of double major. The university offers Bachelor of Science (B.Sc) for Engineering (e.g. Computer Science) for Science graduate, Bachelor of Pharmacy (B.Phrm) for Pharmacy graduate, Bachelor of Science in Genetic Engineering & Biotechnology and Bachelor of Science in Applied Statistics.[8]

The B.Sc. in EEE program has been granted accreditation from the Board of Accreditation for Engineering & Technical Education (BAETE). At the post-graduate level EWU offers Master of Business Administration (MBA) for business, Master of Arts (MA) for humanities and Master of Science (MS) for Science and Engineering, Master of Pharmacy (M.Phrm) for Pharmacy. EWU's B.Phrm and M.Phrm programs are accredited by the Pharmacy Council of Bangladesh.

Inside Campus of EWU

Most EWU degrees, especially business and engineering degrees, are transferable to North American, European and Australasian universities where formal collaboration exists with them.[9][10]

EWU graduates are evaluated on Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) on a scale of 0 to 4 points. In addition, the university classifies students into three classes based on their earned CGPA.[11] These are as follow:

• First Class - CGPA 3.00 and above
• Second Class - CGPA 2.50 to 2.99
• Third Class - CGPA 2.00 to 2.49

The university provides the following awards[12] to its outstanding students.

• Gold medal : The Chancellor of the university awards a gold medal to each of the students having a CGPA of 3.97 or above on the day of convocation.
• Summa Cum Laude: Each undergraduate student with a CGPA of 3.90 or above is awarded Summa Cum Laude by the university and declared by the convocation marshall on the convocation day.
• Magna Cum Laude: Each undergraduate student with a CGPA of 3.75 or above is awarded Magna Cum Laude by the university and declared by the convocation marshall on the convocation day.

Term dates

East West University is modeled on the North American Open Credit system. It maintains tri-semester (three semesters) year with the exception of the Department of Pharmacy which maintains a bi-semester (two semesters) year. East West University semesters are as follow:[13]

• Spring: January - April (starting on the second week of January)
• Summer: May - August (starting on the second week of May)
• Fall: September - December (starting on the second week of September)

Note: These dates may change due to any changes that occur in the academic calendar provided by East West University Authorities.

Grading policy

Grading system in East West University

Class interval	Letter grade	Grade point
97 & Above	A+	4.00
90-Below 97	A	4.00
87-Below 90	A-	3.70
83-Below 87	B+	3.30
80-Below 83	B	3.00
77-Below 80	B-	2.70
73-Below 77	C+	2.30
70-Below 73	C	2.00
67-Below 70	C-	1.70
63-Below 67	D+	1.30
60-Below 63	D	1.00
Below 60	F	0.00

Ranking

In 2020, EWU has been ranked #3549 in the world and #14 among the 166 universities in Bangladesh by the Webometrics Ranking of World Universities.[14] The ranking is based on the university's web presence and visibility.[15] According to IDEAS ranking of Economic Research Institutions in Bangladesh, the Department of Economics of East West University ranked 2nd in Bangladesh since 2014 (next to the Bangladesh Institute of Development Studies).[16] Star researcher from East West University is Dr. Syed Abul Basher who has topped the list of young Economists from Bangladesh. IDEAS database contains information on 13,177 economics institutions, 43,324 authors with over 1,046,994 research publications in 94 fields.[17]

Ranking of Bangladeshi universities [14]
WEBM_W	[]
WEBM_N	14

Concert arranged by EWU Debating Club

Research

East West University has a resource Center for Research and Training (EWUCRT). The center creates knowledge through academic and applied research and disseminate knowledge through training and publication. CRT operates through a Research Committee composed of representatives from the Board, Deans and Chairs of the Academic Department.

CRT publishes the EWU Journal, a bi-annual publication of research papers. CRT publishes working papers, occasional papers and Annual Research Abstracts. Faculty members and senior students of the university produce academic papers each year and publish them in journals and conference proceedings.

In addition, CRT works with the government and private institutions at national and international levels to facilitate academic exchanges.

In 2002 EWU organized International Conference on Computer and Information Technology which is a series of Computer Science ofand Information Technology based conference hosted in Bangladesh since 1997 by a university each year.[18] EWU is a member of Trade Knowledge Network,[19] a collaboration of research institutions in developed and developing countries located in Africa, Asia, Europe and the Americas[20] and also active in the South Asian Network for Development and Environmental Economists (SANDEE).[21] Dr A.K. Enamul Haque, Professor of Economics, is a member of the board of SANDEE and an academic advisor to SANDEE researchers.[22]

In 2006, EWU faculty members had 39 appearances in international journals and conferences.[23] Besides these, the university provides financial support through a faculty research program to promote research culture in the campus.[24]

Convocation

East West University holds a convocation every year in Dhaka. The first was held in Osmani Memorial Hall. After that, through 2011, the ceremony was held at the Bangabandhu International Conference Center, except in 2006, when it took place in the Winter Garden convention hall at the Dhaka Sheraton Hotel. From 2012, it moved to the university's new campus in Aftab Nagar. In accordance with the Private University Act, the President of Bangladesh, as chancellor, or his nominee presides at convocation. Education Minister Nurul Islam Nahid presided in 2009, 2013, and 2014. Minister for Agriculture Matia Chowdhury presided in 2012.

The 1st convocation was in 2002. Earl H. Potter III, Dean of the College of Business, Eastern Michigan University, delivered the convocation speech. Degrees were conferred on 85 undergraduate and 11 graduate students.[25]

The 2nd convocation was in 2003. Professor of economics Wahiduddin Mahmud delivered the convocation speech. 161 students graduated.[26]

The 3rd convocation was in 2004. Former Chief Justice Mustafa Kamal delivered the convocation address. 268 students graduated.[27]

The 4th convocation was in 2005. Former Vice Chancellor of Jahangirnagar University Zillur Rahman Siddiqui, delivered the convocation speech. 387 students graduated.[28]

The 5th convocation was in 2006. Economist Rehman Sobhan delivered the convocation address. 416 students graduated.[29]

The 6th convocation was in 2007. Professor Emeritus of physics Jamal Nazrul Islam delivered the convocation speech. 644 students graduated.[30]

The 7th convocation was held on 3 March 2008. Former Chief Justice Muhammad Habibur Rahman delivered the convocation speech. Degrees were bestowed on 604 undergraduate and 275 graduate students. Two students were awarded gold medals for outstanding academic performance.[31]

The 8th convocation was held on 7 April 2009. Distinguished professor of Bengali literature Anisuzzaman delivered the convocation speech. Degrees were bestowed on 671 undergraduate and 252 graduate students. Seven students received gold medals.[32]

The 9th convocation took place on 25 April 2010. Professor Emeritus of English Serajul Islam Choudhury delivered the convocation address. Degrees were conferred on 956 students. Six students were awarded gold medals.[33]

The 10th convocation took place on 6 March 2011. Vice Chancellor of University of Dhaka AAMS Arefin Siddique delivered the convocation speech. Degrees were bestowed on 712 undergraduate and 361 graduate students.[34]

The 11th convocation was held on 7 March 2012. Abdullah Abu Sayeed, President of Bishwa Sahitya Kendra (World Literature Center), delivered the convocation speech. Degrees were bestowed on 643 undergraduate and 475 graduate students.[35]

The 12th convocation was held on 27 February 2013. Sufia Ahmed, Ekushey Padak awardee for contributions to flourishing culture and the Language Movement, delivered the convocation speech. Degrees were bestowed on 1,279 students. Three students received gold medals.[36]

The 13th convocation was held on 24 February 2014. Novelist Selina Hossain, recipient of the Ekushey Padak for literature, delivered the convocation speech. Degrees were conferred on 1,341 students. Four students were awarded gold medals.[37]

The 14th convocation took place on 19 March 2015. Civil rights activist Sultana Kamal delivered the convocation address. Degrees were conferred on 1,455 students. Two students were awarded gold medals.[38]

The 15th convocation took place on Wednesday, 27 January 2016 at East West University, Aftabnagar, Dhaka. Author, physicist, professor and activist Muhammed Zafar Iqbal delivered the convocation speech. Degrees were conferred on 1,311 students. Three students were awarded gold medals.[39]

Clubs

The names of the official 25 (twenty five) clubs are [40] (Alphabetically Sorted)

• EWU Agro Industrialization Club
• EWU Alpha-Beta Statistics Club
• EWU Business Club[41]
• EWU Club for Performing Arts
• EWU investment and finance club
• EWU Computer Programming Club
• EWU Creative Marketing Club
• EWU Debating Club
• EWU Economics Club
• EWU Electronics Club
• EWU English Conversation Club
• EWU Environmental and Social Club
• EWU Genetic Engineering & Biotechnology Club
• EWU IEEE Student Branch
• EWU Investment & Finance Club[42]
• EWU Information Studies Club
• EWU Law Club
• EWU MBA Club
• EWU Model United Nations Club
• EWU Pharmacy Club
• EWU Photography Club
• Rotaract Club of East West University
• EWU Robotics Club
• EWU Science Club
• EWU Sports Club
• EWU Telecommunications Club "Career Council Centre" control all of these club
• EWU Sociology Club

Notable alumni

• Rubana Huq
• Afran Nisho

Notes and references

1. "Accreditation & Collaboration". East West University. Retrieved 12 March 2014.
2. Office of East West University. (2014). "East West University at a Glance". East West University Convocation Book. ("13th Convocation EWU profile")
3. বার্ষিক প্রতিবেদন ২০১৪ [Annual Report 2014]. University Grants Commission (in Bengali). Archived from the original on 12 March 2016. Retrieved 26 February 2016.
4. "Board of Trustees". East West University. Retrieved 24 April 2019.
5. EWU Newsletter, Vol. VI, ISSUE III, Fall 2006, pp-8
6. University Profile, EWU Convocation Brochure 2007, pp-113
7. List of Laboratories, EWU Convocation Brochure 2007, pp-113,114
8. "Undergraduate Programs". East West University. Retrieved 16 June 2015.
9. "Collaboration list". East West University. Archived from the original on 30 September 2007.
10. "International Students". Retrieved 16 June 2015.
11. EWU Undergraduate Prospectus 2002-2003, pp-15
12. EWU Convocation Brochure 2007, pp-17
13. EWU Undergraduate Prospectus 2002-2003, pp-16
14. "Bangladesh". Webometrics Ranking Web of Universities. Retrieved 4 June 2017.
15. "FAQ". Ranking Web of Universities. Retrieved 16 June 2015.
16. "Within Country and State Rankings at IDEAS: Bangladesh". Retrieved 16 June 2015.
17. "IDEAS: Economics and Finance Research". Retrieved 16 June 2015.
18. "History of ICCIT". International Conference on Computer and Information Technology. Archived from the original on 19 April 2008. Retrieved 15 March 2008.
19. EWU's profile as a member at TKN site Archived 15 July 2007 at the Wayback Machine
20. "About TKN". Trade Knowledge Network. Archived from the original on 13 August 2010. Retrieved 16 June 2015.
21. "SANDEE". South Asian Network for Development and Environmental Economics. Retrieved 16 June 2015.
22. "Board Members". South Asian Network for Development and Environmental Economics.
23. Publications (abstract only) made by EWU faculty in 2006 Archived 30 September 2007 at the Wayback Machine
24. "East West University Center for Research and Training (EWUCRT)". East West University. Archived from the original on 12 September 2006.
25. "Convocation 2002" (PDF). East West University. 2002.
26. "Convocation 2003" (PDF). East West University. 2003.
27. "Convocation 2004" (PDF). East West University. 2004.
28. "Convocation 2005" (PDF). East West University. 2005.
29. "Convocation 2006" (PDF). East West University. 2006.
30. "Convocation 2007" (PDF). East West University. 2007.
31. "7th Convocation of East West University". East West University. 16 April 2008.
32. "East West University's 8th Convocation Held". East West University. 12 April 2009.
33. "9th Convocation of East West University". East West University. 27 April 2010.
34. "EWU holds 10th Convocation amid great festivity". East West University. 15 March 2011.
35. "East West University holds its 11th Convocation at the Permanent Campus". East West University. 8 March 2012.
36. "12th Convocation of East West University". East West University. 28 February 2013.
37. "East West University holds 13th Convocation". East West University. 9 March 2014.
38. "Ensuring quality higher education still a challenge: president". New Age. Dhaka. United News of Bangladesh. 20 March 2015.
39. "15th convocation of East West University held". The Independent. Dhaka. 28 January 2016.
40. http://www.ewubd.edu/ewu-clubs/
41. http://www.ewubd.edu/ewubc
42. http://www.ewubd.edu/ewuifc-about/

External links

• Official website