As the Institute of Forestry and Environmental Sciences, Chittagong University (IFESCU) celebrates its milestone Golden Jubilee in 2026, it marks half a century (1976–2026) of leadership in forestry, environmental education, and research in Bangladesh. Established in 1976 as the Institute of Forestry, Chittagong University (IFCU), it was the first institution of its kind in the country. Beginning with an in-service Master of Forestry program for Assistant Conservators of Forests (ACFs) of the Bangladesh Forest Department in 1977–1978, the institute pioneered a 4-year undergraduate Forestry degree in 1978–1979. To address broader ecological challenges, it was renamed IFESCU in 1996, introducing a 1-year MS in Forestry that same year, followed by undergraduate (2000–2001) and postgraduate (2004) degree programs in Environmental Sciences.

Over these 50 years, IFESCU has built a distinguished academic legacy, graduating 41 batches in Forestry and 20 batches in Environmental Science. Academic degrees conferred include 1,188 B.Sc. (Hons.), 604 M.Sc., 6 M.Phil, and 7 Ph.D. graduates in Forestry, along with 412 B.Sc. (Hons.), 208 M.Sc., and 2 M.Phil/Ph.D. graduates in Environmental Sciences.

The continued success of IFESCU alumni represents one of the institute’s most significant milestones and a source of pride for the entire IFESCU community. Over the decades, IFESCU alumni have built a remarkable legacy of academic excellence, professional competence, integrity, and leadership, extending their impact far beyond the boundaries of Bangladesh. Demonstrating the institute’s growing international reach, alumni have earned prestigious international scholarships, including Fulbright, Erasmus Mundus, DAAD, MEXT, IPRS, Australian Government Awards, and many other competitive scholarships, pursuing higher education and professional development across all seven continents of the globe. Our graduates have made significant contributions to academia, civil and public administration, cadre and non-cadre services, diplomacy, banking, development, forest and environmental sectors. Our distinguished alumni have made remarkable contributions to national and international leadership and public service. Among their notable achievements, IFESCU alumni have served as High Commissioner of the Netherlands, Secretary to the Government of Bangladesh, Pro-Vice-Chancellor of the University of Chittagong, Vice-Chancellor of Khulna University, Vice President of Bangladesh Bank, and Advisor to the King of Saudi Arabia, among many other distinguished positions.

A significant number of IFESCU graduates have also contributed to leading international organizations and development agencies, including the EU, UNDP, IUCN, FAO, as well as numerous INGOs and NGOs. Their contributions in foreign missions and high commissions, national and international universities, government institutions, financial organizations, and development sectors reflect the versatility and global recognition of IFESCU graduates.

FESCU’s research infrastructure is exceptional. Surrounded by a 510-acre University Forest housing 304 tree species, a 3-acre permanent nursery producing 200,000 seedlings annually, and a Seed Research Laboratory storing seeds of 406 tree species, the institute offers unmatched practical learning. Specialized facilities—such as the GIS & Climate Change, Environmental Science, and Society & Environment research laboratories—advance research in climate change mitigation, carbon sequestration, remote sensing, and environmental impact assessment. IFESCU has spearheaded major research projects funded by BARC, the Arannyak Foundation, and USDA, achieving landmark conservation successes in restoring critically endangered tree species like Civit (Swintonia floribunda), Banshpata (Podocarpus neriifolia), Boilam (Anisoptera schaphula), and 17 bamboo species.

Collaborations remain a cornerstone of IFESCU’s mission. Nationally, it partners with Government bodies including MoEFCC, the Bangladesh Forest Department, DoE, and SPARRSO, as well as prominent NGOs like BRAC, BELA, and ICDDR,B. Globally, it maintains ties with international bodies such as the World Bank, EU, FAO, USAID, and IUFRO, alongside universities including the University of New Hampshire, University of Queensland, Tokyo University, and NARA Women's University (which holds an annual exchange program for 10 female students).

IFESCU’s exemplary contributions have earned top accolades, including the Prime Minister's Gold Medal for Tree Plantation (1994, 2003, 2004, 2014, 2021) and Environmental Conservation (2011), as well as registration with the Institute of Forestry of Australia. Most recently, it received the prestigious National Environment Award 2025 in the Environmental Education and Dissemination category. Entering its Golden Jubilee year, IFESCU stands proud as a pillar of green education and environmental stewardship.

IFESCU at 50—not simply celebrating where we have been, but envisioning where we are going. Like a great tree, IFESCU continues to grow from deep and resilient roots, reaching toward new horizons while remaining firmly grounded in its values of knowledge, integrity, conservation, innovation, and service to humanity and nature.