The University Grants Commission (UGC) has recommended new six public universities under the general category in line with the government’s policy to promote higher education.
The university apex body has sent a letter to the Ministry of Education in this regard, an official of the Secondary and Higher Education Division told Dhaka Tribune on Thursday afternoon.
The six districts are Rajbari, Bhola, Joypurhat, Cox's Bazar, Narail and Barguna.
The UGC made the decision after the ministry had sought its opinion on setting up new universities in nine districts.
Even though the apex body did not recommend setting up universities in Mymensingh, Rangpur and Gaibandha, they considered local needs, resources and facilities for students in getting higher education, read the recommendation letter.
According to the UGC, there are 57 public and 113 private universities in the country.
In August, the UGC permitted three new public universities to conduct academic activities and enroll students for the 2023-24 academic year. These are Kurigram Agricultural University, Sunamganj Science and Technology University and Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Science and Technology University, Pirojpur.
The university in Sunamganj was established in 2020 while the two others in 2022.
Aim is to expand higher education
"The government had planned to set up universities in every district and a medical university in each division by giving priority to higher education so that students get hassle-free higher education at affordable cost,” UGC Chairman (additional charge) Prof Dr Muhammad Alamgir told Dhaka Tribune.
“However, we have to ensure quality and research-based education among these universities to produce skillful human resources,” he said, hoping that these new universities will play a key role in contributing to the country’s socio-economic development.
A top official told Dhaka Tribune that the government has plans to bring as many students as possible under higher education. This is why universities are being established in different parts of the country.
“The government wants students not to go to Dhaka for higher education. So, wherever we can, we are establishing universities and other educational institutions,” said the official, wishing anonymity.
Talking to Dhaka Tribune, the Deputy Minister for Education, Barrister Mohibul Hasan Chowdhury, said: "As per the prime minister’s instructions, we need universities in these districts. These new universities should focus on how to take over the district-level university colleges where undergraduate courses are taught, while also developing new post-graduate level courses and research and development."
Improving academic standards at the colleges is a key objective of the government. "The colleges must be monitored by the public universities," he added.
Former UGC chairman Prof Nazrul Islam said the concept of higher education can be disrupted by not following basic criteria like infrastructure and allocation, and by not ensuring skilled teachers and quality education.
Many universities started operations without ensuring real facilities. “They are now struggling and have been unable to play a proper role at the higher education level,” he added.
Prof Nazrul Islam suggested that the government increase the education budget and create scope for the public universities to create their own funds.
