Six new universities approved, despite concerns

Six new private universities with reported links to Bangladesh’s ruling party have obtained the government’s approval. With only a few months left of tenure, the government approved the universities despite claims that most existing private higher education institutions are underperforming and struggling to attract students, reports Dhaka Tribune.

The Education Ministry issued an approval order last weekend. Additional Secretary Kazi Salahuddin Ahmed said Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina had given consent for the approval order. The would-be universities are Sheikh Fazilatunnesa University in Jamalpur, Cox’s Bazar International University in Cox’s Bazar, Ranada Prasad Saha University in Tangail, North Bengal International University in Rajshahi, Rajshahi Science and Technology University in Natore, and Far East International University in Dhaka.

University Grants Commission (UGC) and ministry sources claimed that some of the sponsors of the proposed universities have political links. According to UGC officials, a former Juba League leader and current MP is associated with the Sheikh Fazilatunnesa University in Jamalpur. Sponsors of the other five universities are mainly businessmen with political clout.
Full report on the Dhaka Tribune site