Al Mamun Harun Ur Rashid :
Some 30 private universities still could not obtain the compulsory permanent certificates from the government within the given timeframe of twelve years of establishment.
On the other hand, some 20 universities, which are running their activities in rented houses and not moving to permanent campuses within the given time, received notices from the University Grants Commission (UGC) to shift to their permanent campuses.
The UGC sources said the private universities running as per law would face the music to run their activities in the upcoming days.
Only seven universities have obtained permanent certificates from the government so far for fulfilling all terms and conditions including having permanent campuses, UGC sources said.
These universities are Ahsanullah University of Science and Technology, East West University, City University, BGMEA University of Fashion and Technology, Premier University, Atish Dipankar University of Science and Technology, and World University.
A number of private universities were established following the Private University Act 1992 and later the law was amended in 2010 with the insertion of some new rules.
According to the Provision 7 of the Private University Act, 2010, a private university is given temporary permission to set up a university.
Within seven years of getting the temporary approval along with a five-year grace period, the university should have its permanent campus and meet other conditions to carry on academic and administrative activities. When a university fulfills all the conditions, it can apply for a permanent certificate.
UGC sources said that only 31 private universities out of 108 are running their academic activities on the permanent campuses while some 18 universities could not move to their permanent campuses within the given time period.
The rest of the universities are running their activities in rented houses or temporary buildings.
“We issued letters to these universities to shift to permanent campuses. Some of them have replied to our show cause notices and sought additional time,” Md. Omar Faruque, Director of UGC Private University Division told the New Nation recently.
He said some universities have already sought the extension of time for shifting to their permanent campuses.
“We would assess their papers carefully and take steps accordingly,” he added.
The UGC sources said BRAC University has sought one year time while Dhaka International University sought time till 2023 to move.
“We want to say that universities should run their activities as per law. To follow laws means ensuring the transparency and accountability of the universities,” Omar Faruque noted.
The private universities that are not abiding by the law would face problems in the upcoming days to run their activities, he said.
The UGC sources said some universities like Asia Pacific, East Delta, Metropolitan University, Bangladesh University of Business and Technology, University of Information Technology and Sciences and Bangladesh Army University of Science and Technology (BAUST), Saidpur have applied for permanent certificates.
“We have already completed the visit to Asia Pacific while other universities are under scrutiny,” Omar Faruque said.
“It is compulsory to have permanent certificates as per law. It ensures the transparency and accountability of the universities. Besides, it ensures the quality of education at a higher level,” he added.
UGC Chairman Prof Kazi Shahidullah said, “Many universities are not fulfilling the conditions. We hope all private universities will comply with the law.”
