University of Barishal in Karnakathi, Barishal Sadar

The declaration to establish a public university in the then Barishal division was made by the Founder of Bangladesh, the Father of the Nation, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman in 1973. Several attempts were made by different political governments after the 1980s, but it was in 2009 that the establishment of the university gained momentum. The Ministry of Education, under the direction of the Honorable President of Bangladesh, Md. Zillur Rahman, appointed Professor Dr. Md. Harunor Rashid Khan from the University of Dhaka as the Project Director on February 18, 2010. The law for the University of Barishal was passed by the National Assembly on June 16, 2010.

With further initiatives from the University Grants Commission and the Ministry of Education, the university was officially established by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who laid the foundation stone on February 22, 2011. The University of Barishal began operations on July 1, 2011, on a temporary campus at Barishal Zilla School. The Honorable President Md. Zillur Rahman served as the Founder Chancellor, and Professor Dr. Md. Harunor Rashid Khan as the Vice-Chancellor.

In its first academic year (2011-2012), the university had four faculties: Arts, Science, Social Sciences, and Business Studies, encompassing six departments. It enrolled 400 students and employed 25 teachers, 15 officers, and 35 staff members. As an autonomous institution, the university's administration is managed by the Syndicate and the Academic Council, both headed by the Vice-Chancellor.

The permanent campus, located in Karnakati, is renowned for its scenic beauty and unspoiled ecosystem, providing an ideal setting for learning. The new campus features modern facilities, including an 'eight'-shaped academic building, residences, dormitories, a central library, and prayer houses. Open spaces will be punctuated by greenery and a central pond. The construction of the new campus is expected to be completed by mid-2013.

The University of Barishal aims to recruit teachers based on merit and scholarship, ensuring modernized syllabi that equip students with the knowledge to navigate the global landscape. Scholarships for students and teachers will promote the university as a center of excellence. Various clubs and committees will enhance co-curricular activities, helping students explore their abilities across different fields of knowledge.