On 30 January 2017 in regular cabinet meeting, chaired by ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, agreed in principle to the acts for the Netrokona University in Netrokona District.

The initial plan was to set up a science and technology university in Netrokona, but it was later revised to a general university, offering courses in arts, commerce other than science.

At present, there are a total of 55 public universities in the country.

[1][2][3][4] After the fall of the Sheikh Hasina led Awami League government, Sheikh Hasina University was renamed to Netrokona University in February 2025.

[5] The university's four departments are organised into three faculties.