Born from a far vision to build a healthier and more sustainable Bangladesh, Chattogram Veterinary and Animal Sciences University (CVASU) was founded on 07 August 2006, with the mission of transforming Veterinary and Animal Sciences through education, research, and community service. The journey began as the Chittagong Government Veterinary College in the academic session of 1995–96. However, the growing demand for specialized veterinary education led to a formal movement championed by figures like Abdullah Al Noman (the Former Minister of Fisheries and Livestock), Yusuf Chowdhury (Former owner of The Daily Purbokone), Nazir Ahmed (Former Director General of Dept of Livestock Services), Prof Nitish Chandra Debnath (Founder Vice-Chancellor of CVASU). Their efforts culminated on 07 August 2006, when the Parliament of Bangladesh passed the historic CVASU Act, officially giving birth to the nation’s first public Veterinary University in Bangladesh.  Since then, CVASU has evolved from a small academic institution into a nationally and internationally recognized center of excellence.

Currently, the main campus of CVASU is located in Khulshi, with additional research campuses in Hathazari and Cox’s Bazar, and a Pet Hospital and Research Center in Purbachol, Dhaka. Its structural and academic growth reflects a commitment to producing skilled professionals in Veterinary Science, Food Science and Technology, Fisheries, and Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering- while also creating spaces for innovation, research, and public engagement and awareness. The academic bodies of these four faculties are complemented by highly qualified faculty members, interactive and collaborative teaching methods, and a curriculum aligned with global standards.

To promote practical learning, applied research, and innovation, CVASU has established several specialized institutes, and a research vessel. In Cox’s Bazar, CVASU has established Marine Fish Hatcheries, Institute of Food Safety and Nutrition in Hathazari, and a research vessel in Rangamati. In Purbachol, Dhaka, there is a Teaching and Training Pet Hospital Research Center which holds the status of being country’s first Teaching and Training Pet Hospital, offering advanced clinical services and hands-on training for interns in small animal care, diagnostics, and surgery.  Moreover, there is Poultry Research and Training Centre (PRTC), One Health Institute (OHI) serving as a research and education hub for zoonoses, antimicrobial resistance, and health system integration across humans, animals, and the environment. A very special milestone of CVASU is the Anatomy Museum- which holds the distinction of being Bangladesh’s first university-based anatomical museum having a rich collection of over 2,000 skeletal specimens and 3,000 prepared histological slides, and a Fisheries Museum, highlighting the biodiversity of Bangladesh’s freshwater and marine environments.

As art of international collaboration and curriculum strengthening, CVASU has established global collaborations to elevate its academic framework such as Work-Based Learning (WBL) Program, WOAH–Tufts Twinning Project, University of Bristol Partnership, Behavioural Adaptations in Live poultry trading and farming systems and Zoonoses Control in Bangladesh (BALZAC), One Health Poultry Hub, Udder Health Program Bangladesh, Problem Based Learning (PBL) Program, Professional Skills Development Course (PSC), Clinical Skills Lab (CSC).

As a part of educational excellence, CVASU has introduced Veterinary Ethics and Animal Welfare as part of the curriculum in 2014—the first in Bangladesh. Through the WOAH–Tufts Twinning Project, CVASU revamped its Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) curriculum to fully align with World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) standards by structuring Continuing Education (CE) sessions for field Veterinarians, and internship reforms to embed clinical competencies from “Day 1”. Moreover, a good number of students receive training via exchanges with Khon Kaen University (Thailand), and University Putra Malaysia.  A recent MoU with the University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences (UVAS), Pakistan (signed in February 2025) has opened new doors for cross-country internships, clinical training, and collaborative research and conferences.

This university has proudly contributed to major scientific and policy milestones: developing National Pandemic Influenza Preparedness Plan, genome sequencing of the Black Bengal Goat (2019), genome sequencing of SARS-CoV-2 (2020–2021), nationwide COVID-19 antibody surveillance led by the One Health Institute, development of Udder Health Bangladesh, development of protein-rich jackfruit chips and surimi-based products (fish balls, nuggets) as part of national food security strategies. In December 2024, there was a grand Research and Technology Festival, attracting high-level dignitaries showcasing research strengths across disciplines. An addition was arrangement of Fish Festival and International Conference (2025) with over 350 research presentations and 95+ institutions. Over the years, Annual Pet Fair and different International Training Workshops have been taking place on companion animal nutrition and small animal reproduction in CVASU.

This university takes pride in nurturing students not just as scholars, but leaders. Vibrant student-led organizations such as IVSA (International Veterinary Students’ Association), CVASUMUNA (Model UN), CVASU Debating Society, One Health Young Voice etc. play active roles in fostering leadership, One Health awareness, animal welfare, and international dialogue.

Despite standing out as a vital institution for Veterinary and Food Sciences in Bangladesh, CVASU faces multidimensional challenges. One of the primary issues is limited land, infrastructure and capacity limitations. While the university has established key facilities like the Marine Research Center in Cox’s Bazar, many departments still lack advanced laboratory space and modern equipment, especially for cutting-edge fields such as Molecular Biology, Artificial Intelligence and Bioinformatics. As a public university, rapid scaling of labs, research farms, and faculty strength are sometimes challenged by budget constraints. There are also some gaps in student services, particularly in the areas of academic counseling, career development, and entrepreneurship training. Although job fairs and internship opportunities are available, they remain limited in scope and need further expansion to effectively prepare students for diverse career paths.

In the end, as we celebrate CVASU Day 2025, we would like to pay tribute to some pioneering individuals and institutions: One is the founding Vice Chancellor Nitish Chandra Debnath (2006–2010), who initiated the journey and started the idea of One Health. We honor the unwavering support of leaders like Abdullah Al Noman, social leader Yusuf Chowdhury, and DG Livestock Nazir Ahmed, whose vision and dedication laid the foundation for this institution. CVASU gratefully acknowledges the support of the Government of Bangladesh, especially the Ministry of Education, Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock, and the University Grants Commission (UGC) for their continued guidance and funding. We are also deeply thankful to dedicated faculty members, staff, and students whose continuous efforts have sustained academic excellence and innovation across all faculties.

With dedicated leadership, supportive alumni networks, and robust collaborations, CVASU stands prepared to shape Bangladesh’s livestock, food safety, and public health landscape through integrated Veterinary Science. We pray and hope, CVASU continues to grow as a center of excellence, driving innovation, education, and service for a healthier, more sustainable future—for Bangladesh and beyond.

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Professor Md. Ahasanul Hoque
Department of Medicine and Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine 
Director, One Health Institute, Chattogram Veterinary and Animal Sciences University