The Institute of Islamic Education and Research (IIER) at Islamic University Bangladesh, Kushtia is the first government-established institute in the country, dedicated to the dissemination of Islamic education and the advancement of scholarly research and publication in this field with a multidisciplinary focus.
The Institute was originally founded on 28 November 1980 in Dhaka through a government order issued by Hon’ble President Ziaur Rahman. Renowned educationist Professor Dr. A. N. M. Momtaz Uddin Chowdhury was appointed as its first Director, marking the beginning of its academic and research activities. Subsequently, on 2 November 1982, the Government led by President H. M. Ershad issued another order placing the Institute under the administrative and academic jurisdiction of Islamic University Bangladesh, located in Kushtia. Since then, IIER has continued to flourish as a unique centre for higher education, research, and academic excellence, aligning with Islamic thoughts and knowledge.
The Institute formally began its institutional activities in 1988 and published its first peer-reviewed research journal in 1989, marking a significant breakthrough in its academic research journey. In 2004, Professor Dr. Shahidul Islam Noori of the Department of Daʿwah and Islamic Studies was appointed Director. During his tenure, he introduced significant initiatives to strengthen the Institute’s academic structure and enhance its institutional identity. Over the years, five additional Directors have served the Institute, each contributing to its development at different stages.
Recently, following the July Revolution of 2024, Professor Dr. Md. Iqbal Hossain of the Department of Daʿwah and Islamic Studies was appointed Director. He undertook a series of initiatives to revitalize and advance the Institute’s academic and administrative activities.
In its early years, the Institute concentrated primarily on research, language training, and journal publication. With its expanded academic scope, the Institute introduced several academic programs, including B.Ed., M.Ed., B.M.Ed., and Diploma in Library Science, thereby broadening its contribution to teacher education and professional training. The Institute has also established collaborative agreements with various national and international organizations and educational institutions to promote academic exchange and research cooperation.
In its current plan to meet the needs of the global economy and thriving workplace demands, IIER has undertaken pragmatic upskilling programs, including IELTS Preparation courses and Professional Language Skill Courses for Arabic, English, Japanese, and Korean, to produce skilled professional cadres.
At present, Professor Dr. Md. Mostafhizour Rahman of the Department of Al‑Hadith and Islamic Studies is serving as the Director of the Institute. Under his leadership, the Institute is actively pursuing its goals through expanded academic initiatives, including enhanced journal publication, faculty and manpower development, and ongoing infrastructural improvements. His efforts continue to guide the Institute toward greater academic excellence and institutional growth.