Govt Plans Action Against 18 Private Universities Over Delays

The government is preparing to take legal action against 18 private universities for failing to relocate to their permanent campuses, despite operating for more than 12 years and receiving multiple deadline extensions.

The Ministry of Education has recently directed the University Grants Commission (UGC) chairman to take action against these universities for not adhering to the requirements of the Private University Act, 2010.

UGC Member Professor Dr. Mohammad Anwar Hossen stated, “These 18 universities have exceeded the allowed time limits, with some taking up to 12, 15, even 20 years without moving to their permanent campuses, despite repeated reminders.”

“We had written to the Ministry of Education three months ago regarding possible actions, and in response, the ministry has instructed us to take action against 16 universities, though the total number under scrutiny will ultimately be 18,” he added.

Sources within the Ministry report that the Secondary and Higher Secondary Education Division sent a letter to the UGC chairman, indicating that the provisional approval period for 16 private universities has expired, yet they continue operating without transferring their academic activities to permanent campuses. The letter cited Section 12(1) of the Private University Act, 2010, as the legal foundation for potential action.

Asked about the nature of the possible actions, Dr. Hossen explained, “This will be discussed in our upcoming monthly meeting, led by the UGC Chairman. Actions could include revoking approvals and other measures.”

He also pointed out that the initial deadline for moving to permanent campuses had long passed, and even with recent extensions, some universities may require another three to four years to complete the transition.

“Some universities have taken over a decade—12, 15, or even 20 years—and still haven’t made the move. We will evaluate various responses, from warnings to granting further extensions based on individual circumstances,” he added.

Dr. Hossen emphasized that while many of the 117 private universities in Bangladesh still do not have permanent campuses, many are still being given time to comply.

In January 2023, the UGC issued letters to 18 universities, instructing them to move to permanent campuses by December 31, 2023. Due to non-compliance, student admissions were suspended at four universities, temporary campus admissions were halted at two others, and 12 were granted extensions.

Of the 18 universities under scrutiny, nine are based in Dhaka: University of Development Alternative (Satmasjid Road), Stamford University Bangladesh (Siddheshwari), Millennium University (Rajarbagh), People’s University of Bangladesh (Mohammadpur), Presidency University (Gulshan), Primeasia University (Banani), ASA University Bangladesh (Shyamoli), Sonargaon University (Panthapath), and Bangladesh University of Health Sciences (Mirpur).

The remaining universities are North East University Bangladesh (Sylhet), Isha Khan International University (Kishoreganj), North Western University (Khulna), Feni University (Feni), Port City International University (Chattogram), Chittagong Independent University (Chattogram), and Britannia University (Cumilla).

In a recent move, Sonargaon University inaugurated an incomplete permanent campus at Khilgaon’s Ward 75 in Dhaka last Saturday.

Under the Private University Act, 2010, universities are required to relocate to permanent campuses within seven years of establishment, with a five-year extension permitted. Failure to comply may result in penalties, including suspension of student enrollment.