The Bangladesh government is preparing to take legal measures against 18 private universities that have failed to relocate to permanent campuses, despite operating for more than a decade and receiving several deadline extensions.
The Ministry of Education has recently instructed University Grants Commission (UGC) to initiate action under the Private University Act, 2010.
The act requires private universities to move to permanent campuses within seven years of establishment, with a maximum five-year extension allowed. Failure to comply can lead to penalties, including suspension of student admissions.
UGC member Professor Dr. Mohammad Anwar Hossen confirmed the development, stating that several universities have exceeded the permitted timeframe; some taking 12, 15, even 20 years—without fulfilling the relocation requirement.
“We wrote to the Ministry of Education three months ago seeking direction. In response, they have asked us to act against 16 universities, but the total number will likely be 18,” Dr. Hossen said.
A letter from ministry’s Secondary and Higher Secondary Education Division to the UGC chairman cited Section 12(1) of the Private University Act as the legal basis for action. The letter noted that the provisional approval period for these universities has expired, yet they continue operating without shifting academic activities to permanent facilities.
The UGC is expected to finalize the nature of the actions—ranging from warnings to revocation of approvals—at an upcoming monthly meeting chaired by the UGC chairman. “While some universities may need an additional three to four years to complete the transition, we will assess each case individually,” Dr. Hossen added.
As of now, Bangladesh has 117 private universities, and a significant number are still operating from temporary campuses. Despite this, many continue to receive extensions.
In January 2023, the UGC issued a directive to 18 universities, instructing them to move to their permanent campuses by December 31. Following non-compliance, student admissions were suspended at four universities, admissions at temporary campuses were halted at two others, and the remaining 12 were granted extended deadlines.
Of the 18 universities under scrutiny, nine are located in Dhaka. Those are 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 other 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 development, Sonargaon University hastily inaugurated an incomplete permanent campus in Khilgaon’s Ward 75 in Dhaka, just days before the government’s move.
The UGC is expected to make final decisions soon, marking a pivotal moment for higher education regulation in Bangladesh.
