Southeast University in Dhaka
Southeast University (SEU) is an academic institution in Dhaka, Bangladesh, established in 2002. Its Tejgaon campus is known for its vertical design and commemorative monument. The university’s campuses, architecture and monument reflect its educational and civic role. The official Southeast University website and the Bangladesh Department of Archaeology are listed among the resources for visitors.
History and Cultural Significance
The Southeast University Monument on the Tejgaon campus was inaugurated to honor the university’s founding and its role in Bangladeshi higher education. It commemorates the vision of the educators and philanthropists who established SEU as a center for learning and national progress.
What to See
Tejgaon campus architecture
SEU’s vertical campus uses a multi-story structure spanning approximately 30,670 square meters to accommodate classrooms, laboratories and social spaces. The design accommodates about 12,000 students without expanding horizontally.
A sunlit, multi-level atrium—the campus’s central nucleus—encourages natural light and social interaction. Bridges and terraces extend from the atrium to create shared spaces. North-facing façade voids and the atrium’s glass roof support airflow and daylight; only classrooms are air-conditioned, while lounges use passive cooling.
The ground floor has a cafeteria, gallery and bookstore open to guests. The campus also has a commemorative monument.
Events and activities
Campus activities include academic conferences, seminars and symposiums open to invited guests, as well as cultural festivals celebrating national holidays and Bangladeshi heritage. Anniversaries, national education days and cultural festivals may feature lectures, performances and exhibitions. Open days include campus tours and information sessions for prospective students. See the SEU events page.
Practical Visiting Information
Visiting hours and entry
Southeast University Monument and Tejgaon campus
- Visiting hours: 8:00 AM–6:00 PM, Saturday through Thursday
- Closed Fridays and public holidays
- Entry is free; no tickets are required
Main SEU campus, Banani
- Visiting hours: 9:00 AM–5:00 PM, Sunday through Thursday
- Entry is free; some special events may require registration
All visitors must register at the security desk and provide valid identification. Dress modestly in accordance with local customs. For campus tours or academic visits, arrange an appointment through the official website.
Getting there
The Tejgaon campus is in a central industrial area of Dhaka. Multiple bus routes serve the area; visitors can also use Uber, Pathao, local CNGs or private vehicles. Parking is available with prior permission.
The Banani campus is at AR Tower, 24 Kemal Ataturk Avenue, Banani, Dhaka-1213. It is 8–10 km from Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport; the journey by taxi or ride-sharing service takes 30–45 minutes, depending on traffic. Local transport includes buses, rickshaws and CNGs.
Travel resources include MakeMyTrip and ToursnTripsBD.
Tours and bookings
Guided tours for groups and educational institutions are available by prior arrangement. They cover the university’s history, architecture and monument symbolism. Tours and event bookings can be arranged through the SEU official website.
Accessibility and facilities
Ramps, elevators and barrier-free paths provide wheelchair access throughout the campus. Restrooms are available on every floor, and staff can assist visitors with special needs.
Safety and contact
Bag checks, security staff and CCTV are part of campus security procedures. The campus has 24/7 security and CCTV monitoring. Banani and Tejgaon are generally safe during the day; visitors are advised to observe standard city precautions and follow security protocols and local etiquette.
For visitor information, event schedules and tour bookings, use the SEU official website or call +880 2 9840454.
Visitor Tips
- Early mornings and late afternoons are suggested for pleasant weather and campus activity.
- Photography is allowed in public areas but restricted in academic zones; ask before taking photographs.
- October to March offers cooler, drier conditions; the monsoon season is June–September (Away With The Steiners).
- Use ride-sharing apps for convenience and allow extra time for Dhaka traffic, especially during rush hours.
- Bangla is widely spoken, and English is common on campus.
- Drink bottled or filtered water. The university has a medical center, and major hospitals are nearby.
- A customary greeting is “Assalamu Alaikum.” Remove shoes before entering prayer or certain cultural spaces.
- Several hotels and guesthouses are available in Tejgaon and Banani.
Nearby Attractions and Historical Sites
Ahsan Manzil
Ahsan Manzil, also known as the Pink Palace, is a historical attraction on the Buriganga River in Old Dhaka. Once the residence of the Nawabs, it is now a museum showcasing the grandeur of Bengal’s colonial-era aristocracy.
- Hours 10:00 AM–5:00 PM, Saturday through Thursday; closed Fridays and public holidays
- Tickets BDT 20 for Bangladeshi adults and BDT 200 for foreigners; discounts for students and free entry for children under 5
- Booking Tickets are available at the entrance. Group tours can be arranged through the Bangladesh Department of Archaeology.
- Getting there The site is in central Old Dhaka and is best reached by rickshaw, taxi or ride-sharing apps.
- Accessibility Wheelchair accessible; contact the visitor center for assistance.
- Visitor tips Visit early or late for photographs and lighter crowds. Flash photography is not allowed inside galleries. Keep belongings in view and use official transport.
Further information is available from the Bangladesh Department of Archaeology and the Bangladesh Tourism Board.
Other sites
- Lalbagh Fort A 17th-century Mughal fortress with gardens and museums.
- National Parliament House An architectural work by Louis Kahn.
- Star Mosque (Tara Masjid) Known for its star-shaped mosaic décor.
- Dhakeshwari Temple The national Hindu temple and national temple of Bangladesh.
- Tejgaon Mosque A local architectural site near SEU.
The Bangladesh Department of Archaeology is also a resource for information about historical sites.
FAQs
What are Southeast University’s visiting hours?
The Tejgaon campus is open 8:00 AM–6:00 PM, Saturday through Thursday. The Banani campus is open 9:00 AM–5:00 PM, Sunday through Thursday.
Is there an entry fee for Southeast University?
No. Entry is free, though some special events may require registration.
How do I arrange a guided tour?
Contact the university in advance through the official website.
Is the SEU campus accessible for people with disabilities?
Yes. Ramps, elevators and barrier-free paths are available.
What are the best months to visit?
October to March offers cooler, drier conditions.
What are Ahsan Manzil’s visiting hours and ticket prices?
It is open 10:00 AM–5:00 PM, Saturday through Thursday, and closed Fridays and public holidays. Tickets cost BDT 20 for Bangladeshi adults and BDT 200 for foreigners; students receive discounts and children under 5 enter free.
