The roots of the Department of Educational and Counselling Psychology (DECP) at the University of Dhaka trace back to the Department of Psychology. However, DECP's journey towards its distinctive focus on applied psychology commenced in 1997 when Professor Dr. Anisur Rahman, specializing in Clinical Psychology, collaborated with Dr. Ingrid Lunt from the University of London to embark on the creation of a professional course in Educational Psychology.
This collaborative effort led to the introduction of Dr. Zahirunnesa Sayeed, a seasoned British Chartered Educational Psychologist, to the Department of Psychology in June 1997. Dr. Sayeed played a pivotal role in establishing the Educational Psychology course, with Dr. Sultana Banu as the initial Coordinator. Dr. Sayeed conducted multiple visits to Bangladesh to conduct feasibility studies and craft a comprehensive syllabus for a three-year course in Educational Psychology, which received vital financial support from the University of Dhaka.
In December 2004, Dr. Sayeed and Dr. Mary Robinson from the University of East London provided training to enthusiastic educators. Teachers underwent extensive training and gained practical experience through placements, preparing them to administer the course effectively. The University of Dhaka officially sanctioned the MS Educational Psychology program in 2006, and in 2008, an additional applied MS program in Counselling Psychology received approval.
DECP emerged as an autonomous department within the Faculty of Biological Sciences in 2011, with a distinct mission of cultivating educational and counselling psychologists in Bangladesh. The department proudly offers graduate programs specializing in both Educational Psychology and Counselling Psychology. This evolution reflects our commitment to advancing the field of applied psychology and underscores our dedication to preparing professionals who contribute significantly to the well-being of individuals and communities alike