Education Minister Nurul Islam Nahid yesterday alleged that the authorities of “corruption-ridden” private universities were thieves, who were involved in transactions of illegal money at different stages from taking approvals for setting up a university to awarding certificates to students.
He was speaking at a programme in Rajshahi University.
Quoting TIB report on Private University anomalies he said: “Most of my respected teachers and well-wishers blamed me for taking a stance in favour of corrupted private universities. It was a conscious decision. I took a stance in favour of those thieves for taking actions against them.
“We will take stern action against 12 private universities after the verdict of the court. Steps also would be taken against other illegal private universities,” he said.
Addressing an award giving ceremony at Rajshahi University Senate Bhaban, the minister said they would establish six more universities in the country soon to create more scope for higher stidues.
The minister also criticised the role of teachers of public universities alleging they are not fulfilling their duties.
He said the teachers and students of public universities have a lot of responsibilities towards the nation because they get financial support from the 16 crore people of Bangladesh.
“We also need basic changes in our education system. Our new education policy 2010 will help to introduce a new education system in Bangladesh,” he said.
Rajshahi University authorities with the assistance of Agrani Bank Ltd gave gold medals and awards to 97 students and 2 researchers.
In the researcher’s category Prof Hasan Azizul Haque, a prominent writer, and Prof Dr M Saidur Rahman of Bangla department of Islamic University were awarded ‘Sarwar Jahan Memorial Award’ and ‘Sarwar Jahan Memorial Research’ respectively.
From the student’s categories, 97 students who have acquired first position in Honours and Masters Courses between 2005 and 2010 under nine faculties of the universities awarded gold medals.
Among others, RU Vice Chancellor Prof Muhammad Mizanuddin, Pro-VC Prof Chowdhury Sarwar Jahan and Managing Director of Agrani Bank Syed Abdul Hamid addressed the programme.
