Jahangirnagar University Senate to Consider New Islamic Studies Institute

The Senate of Jahangirnagar University (JU) is poised to deliberate on the creation of a proposed Institute of Islamic Studies and Theology during its upcoming 43rd annual meeting on June 27. This potential establishment could pave the way for the introduction of six new academic departments within the university.

The proposed departments include Al-Quran and Islamic Studies, Al-Hadith and Islamic Studies, Islamic History and Culture, Islamic Law, Fiqh and Jurisprudence, Islamic Philosophy, Ethics and Comparative Religion, and Arabic Language and Literature. These departments aim to provide specialized academic programs in various facets of Islamic scholarship.

University documents reveal that the Academic Council formed a recommendation committee to structure the institute, with subsequent approvals from the Syndicate. The proposal has progressed through multiple council and syndicate meetings since June 2025, culminating in its placement before the Senate for final consideration.

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Even if the Senate approves it, no institute or department can be established without the approval of the University Grants Commission because it involves financial commitments.

However, JU Treasurer Prof M Abdur Rab cautioned that the proposal remains in its preliminary stages. Even with Senate approval, the establishment of the institute and its departments is contingent upon securing financial commitments and final approval from the University Grants Commission.

JU Vice-Chancellor Prof Mohammad Kamrul Ahsan stated that the Senate members' logical arguments and the majority decision will determine the final outcome regarding the institute and its proposed subjects.

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The final decision will depend on the logical arguments presented by Senate members and the majority’s decision.