The Institute of Education and Research (IER), University of Dhaka, was established through the joint efforts of the University of Dhaka, the then Government of Pakistan and the U.S. AID ( then ICA) Mission. The U.S. AID Mission in the then Pakistan entered into a contract with the Colorado State College, (later became University of Northern Colorado), Greeley, Colorado, U.S.A., for professional services to establish, organize and direct the initial stages of IER, including advanced overseas training of teachers. The contract came into effect on November 1, 1959. The classes of the Institute began on July 1, 1960 with 33 students of one year M.Ed. degree program. Over the year it has expanded and diversified its programmes. Number of students increased from 33 in 1960 to 700 (academic year 2002- 2003). The Institute of Education and Research, University of Dhaka is an apex institute in the field of professional education in Bangladesh. It is the only Institute of its kind under the public universities of Bangladesh which offers teaching programmes leading to higher professional degrees, conducts advanced research studies and provides extension services in education. Its professional staff, most of them having overseas post-graduation and doctoral degrees and long experiences with specialization in various aspects of education render professional services to Government sponsored committees and commissions on education to help develop the education sector of Bangladesh and provide consultancy services at both national and international levels.