In a significant announcement, University Grants Commission (UGC) Chairman Professor S M A Faiz stated that a decision regarding the introduction of PhD programs in private universities will be taken soon. He assured that only universities with sufficient capacity and quality will receive approval.
This statement came during a stakeholder consultation meeting organized by the UGC on the amendment of the Private University Act. The meeting was held on Monday, May 12, at the UGC Auditorium in Agargaon, Dhaka.
Why the Decision is Important
At present, students in Bangladesh can only pursue PhD degrees at public universities. However, many private universities have shown notable improvement in quality and academic standards over the years. Some of them have even ranked in international indexes like the QS University Rankings.
There are also experienced professors in private universities—many of whom have previously taught in public institutions and have supervised PhD students there. Despite having the experience and qualifications, they are currently not allowed to guide PhD research in private institutions. This is one of the key reasons behind the demand to allow PhD programs in selected private universities.
What the UGC Chairman Said
Professor Faiz emphasized that private universities that demonstrate adequate academic strength and infrastructure will be allowed to run PhD programs. He made it clear that no compromise will be made on the quality of research. Approvals will be given only after evaluating whether a university can maintain the required academic standards.
He further said, “Universities are an integral part of society. Social problems affect universities too. Therefore, universities should carry out research on real-life issues to find solutions that benefit the nation.”
Call for Reforms in University Governance
The UGC Chairman also urged university authorities to understand the changing mental and emotional needs of students. In today’s social and political context, universities must take initiatives that align with students’ expectations.
He clarified that the UGC does not see public and private universities differently. “We are not here to control, but to support and improve the quality of higher education and research,” he said.
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Need for Amending the Private University Act
Professor Mohammad Anwar Hossain, UGC member in charge of the private university division, spoke as a special guest. He noted that in order to run private universities more effectively and meet current demands, there may be a need to amend the Private University Act 2010.
There are 114 accredited private universities in Bangladesh at the moment. Not all of them, nevertheless, uphold high standards. The fact that many of these institutions still lack good faculty and necessary academic facilities raises questions about the calibre of education offered.
The meeting was attended by whom?
The consultation meeting was chaired by UGC Private University Division Director Md. Sultan Mahmud Bhuiyan. Other notable attendees included:
- Professor Niaz Ahmed Khan, Vice-Chancellor, University of Dhaka
- Professor Saleh Hasan Nakib, Vice-Chancellor, Rajshahi University
- Professor Rezaul Karim, Vice-Chancellor, Jagannath University
- Professor Abdul Hannan Chowdhury, Vice-Chancellor, North South University
- Professor Shams Rahman, Vice-Chancellor, East West University
- Professor Md. Nurul Islam, National University’s pro-vice-chancellor
- Yusuf Haider, professor and dean of BRAC University
- Md. Sabur Khan, Chairman of the Daffodil International University Trust and President of the Association of Private Universities of Bangladesh
- Former National Board of Revenue Chairman Muhammad Abdul Mazid
Concluding remarks
As long as stringent quality criteria are adhered to, a large number of education professionals are in favour of starting PhD programs at private universities. The UGC’s willingness to make this change is a step in the right direction for increasing the nation’s chances for advanced research.
Source: Prothom Alo
