Dr. M. Azizur Rahman, founder of Uttara University, was a former economic advisor to the US Embassy (Dhaka) and USAID, an academician, a business individual, philanthropist, poet, an eminent professor and economist of international repute, is an alumnus of Vanderbilt University. Uttara University began its journey through the hands of DAR TRUST (Dr Azizur Rahman Trust) under which ran many of Dhaka's renowned specialised colleges of the 90's including the now-defunct IMIT (Institute of Management and Information Technology) headquartered in Farmgate, EDI (Education Development Institute) approved by National University of Bangladesh and OIPE (Olympia Institute of Physical Education). The members of DAR TRUST are educationists, industrialists, economists and businessmen who believe in providing education free of cost for a brighter future. Dr Eaysmin Ara Lekha is pro-vice chancellor and co-founder of the university, and vice chairman of the board of trustees. Dr M. Azizur Rahman is the government-approved vice-chancellor of Uttara University for the second term, while Mr Abdul Hamid, President of the People's Republic of Bangladesh, serves as the chancellor. Mr Nabid Aziz and Mr Abid Aziz are amongst the members of the board of trustees. Uttara University is approved by the government of Bangladesh and by University Grants Commission. The university was established under the private University Act of 1992 and the amendment to this act in 1998 and 2010. UU is recognized by the University Grants Commission. The university has been in operation since 2003 and has been very popular amongst the lower and middle income families because of its renowned faculties, quality of education and low tuition structured to maintain smooth running only. Affordable Tuition and Quality Education standards are the two main motives of Uttara University set out by the founding committee members of DAR TRUST and the tuition is amongst the lowest in Bangladesh. A vast majority of the students come from cities outside of Dhaka.