BRAC, one of the largest NGOs in the world and the sponsor of BRAC University, has been active in administering innovative and effective development operations as well as research on development since 1972. The need for an exclusive institute equipped with recent innovations and practices in Public Policy and Management of the contemporary world for the future leaders of Bangladesh became obvious in the 21st century.

BRAC University established the “Centre for Governance Studies” in 2005, as a pioneering institute in Bangladesh on Governance, offering post-graduate degree and undertaking research in areas of governance and development.