B Mirror Desk : The Ministry of Education has mandated the suspension of all educational operations, including admissions, at 16 universities that are utilizing rented facilities. The University Grants Commission (UGC) has been directed to take action against these institutions for not establishing permanent campuses on their own land, despite the expiration of their temporary permissions.
This directive was communicated in a letter from ASM Kashem, Senior Assistant Secretary (Private Universities-1) of the Ministry of Education, dated April 8. The letter indicates that, according to Sections 7(2) and 11(2) of the Private Universities Act-2010, these 16 private universities have failed to transition to permanent campuses after their temporary permissions lapsed, prompting necessary actions to be taken against them.
The department has been instructed to notify the universities in accordance with Section 12(1) of the Private Universities Act-2010. This section stipulates that if a private university does not apply for a certificate within the designated period of temporary permission or fails to meet the conditions outlined in Section 9 for obtaining a certificate, all admissions and educational activities must cease immediately upon the expiration of the temporary permission.
The affected institutions include The People’s University of Bangladesh in Mohammadpur, Satmasjid, University of Development Alternative in Road, Stamford University Bangladesh in Siddheshwari, The Millennium University in Rajarbagh, Presidency University in Gulshan, PrimeAsia University in Banani, Asha University Bangladesh in Shyamoli, Sonargaon University in Panthapath, and Bangladesh University of Health Sciences in Mirpur.
Additionally, North East University Bangladesh in Sylhet, Isha Khan International University in Kishoreganj, North Western University in Khulna, Feni University in Feni, Britannia University in Comilla, Port City International University in Chittagong, and Chittagong Independent University in Chittagong are included in the list.
Sources from the Ministry of Education indicate that these institutions were operating under temporary authorization.
However, as seven years have elapsed since their inception, their temporary permissions have lapsed in accordance with current regulations. Despite the expiration of this temporary status, the requirements for transitioning to fully accredited universities have not been fulfilled, as these institutions have not relocated to their own campuses with permanent facilities.
Consequently, the Secondary and Higher Education Department of the Ministry of Education has instructed the UGC to take action against 16 universities. In response to the Ministry of Education’s correspondence, UGC Chairman Professor S.M.A. Faiz stated, ‘Universities that have begun efforts to establish their own campuses will be granted additional time. Conversely, those that have not initiated this process will face stringent measures. Nevertheless, we will ensure that no decisions are made that would adversely affect the students of these universities.’
