United News of Bangladesh

The University Grants Commission (UGC) of Bangladesh has identified three fake foreign university branch campuses operating in the country and issued a warning to students against enrolling in them. The universities are: America World University, USA; Trinity University, USA; and the Spiritual Institute of New York. According to UGC, none of these universities have received approval from the government or the commission. Dr. Shamsul Arefin, Director of the Public Relations and Publications Department at UGC, said that the matter came to light when Bangladesh Commerce Bank Limited applied to the commission to verify certificates of two students from America World University and Trinity University. During the verification process, UGC discovered the operation of these unauthorized branch campuses. “The list of proposed universities submitted by the ministry to the commission does not include any project under these names,” Dr. Arefin added. UGC noted that various media reports indicate the presence of unapproved foreign university branches, tutorial centers, and study centers in Bangladesh. Most of these institutions operate without authorization, offering bachelor, master, MPH, MBA, MPhil, and PhD degrees, which are entirely illegal under the law. UGC takes initiative to address teacher shortage in public universities Students are paying money to receive certificates from these unauthorized universities and many have been defrauded. UGC has recently sent letters to the Ministry of Home Affairs, the Ministry of Education, and the Anti-Corruption Commission urging immediate action against these universities. Dr. Shamsul Arefin emphasized the need for effective measures to prevent further student exploitation.    

A total of 141 teachers and students from various departments of Islamic University in Kushtia have been selected to conduct research projects under the Bangladesh University Grants Commission for the 2025-26 fiscal year. Among the participants, 65 are teachers, 69 students, and 7 PhD researchers. IU acting registrar Professor M Manjurul Haque said on Friday that each research project would run for one year, and participants would receive financial support under the programme. Participants were selected from seven faculties of the university, he added. Selected teachers would receive between Tk 300,000 and 325,000, PhD researchers receive Tk 200,000, and students would receive Tk 50,000 to 60,000 for the projects.

The University Grants Commission Chairman Professor SMA Faiz has assured that all vacant teaching positions in public universities across the country will be filled as quickly as possible. He made the remarks while delivering the keynote speech at the first day of the two-day fresher orientation programme for the 2024-2025 academic session held at Birshreshtha Hamidur Rahman Auditorium of Islamic University in Kushtia on Saturday. 'Universities are facing severe teacher shortages. We will hold a meeting in the coming days and make every effort to approve the vacant positions. I will do everything possible for Islamic University and other universities. A dedicated team is already working on this plan, he said. Presided over by the university vice-chancellor, Professor Nakib Muhammad Nasrullah, IU pro-vice-chancellor Professor M Yeaqub Ali and treasurer Professor M Jahangir Alam were present here as the special guests. IU Arabic Language and Literature department Professor M Rafiqul Islam and Social Welfare department lecturer M Habibur Rahman jointly conducted the event while the event convener and Social Sciences faculty dean Professor Begum Roksana Mili delivered welcome speech. Addressing the freshmen, Dr. Faiz recalled, 'In 2012, two students of Islamic University went missing. That reflected the political reality of the past sixteen years. We could not liberate the country, but the students of today have taken on that responsibility. I am grateful to you all for your courage in defending our freedom.' Among others, IU acting registrar Professor M Manjurul Haque, Law faculty dean Professor Khandakar Tauhidul Alam, Biological Sciences faculty dean Professor Babli Sabina Azhar, student adviser Professor Obaidul Islam, and proctor Professor Shahinuzzaman were present on the occasion. Later, a cultural function participated by teachers and students of different departments of the university was held there.

University Grants Commission (UGC) Chairman Prof SM A Faiez on Tuesday assured that Jagannath University (JnU) students will receive their supplementary grants by January. He gave the assurance while meeting with a delegation of JnU unit Islami Chhatra Shibir, led by its President Riazul Islam and General Secretary Abdul Alim Arif, at the UGC office in the afternoon. The UGC chairman said the scholarship will be disbursed in two phases, one part from the Finance Ministry and the other from UGC. Later in the evening, JnU Vice-Chancellor Prof Rezual Karim visited the students who are on hunger strike and told them that the scholarship money will reach their hands by January. “Collection of necessary documents will be completed by October. Since the Finance Committee (FC) has already cleared the process, there is no further obstacle now,” he said. After the meeting, JnU Shibir President Riazul Islam said the UGC chairman assured them that the students will get the scholarships by October, though in two phases. “We trust the UGC, but we want to see the money in students’ hands by October. We won’t accept any delay or excuse,” he added. The meeting was also attended by UGC member Prof Tajnimuddin Khan and JnU Shibir leaders including Secretary Abdul Alim Arif, Organising Secretary Mohammad Jahed, Office Secretary Ibrahim Khalil, Finance Secretary Mostafizur Rahman and Student Welfare Secretary Mohammad Faruk.

University Grants Commission (UGC) Chairman Professor Dr. SMA Faiz has assured that complete transparency and accountability are being maintained in the evaluation of sub-projects under the ongoing Higher Education Acceleration and Transformation (HEAT) project. He made the remarks during a press conference held at the UGC auditorium on Tuesday, where details were shared regarding the sub-project selection process and the upcoming agreement signing with universities for project implementation. Prof Faiz said the UGC has taken every necessary initiative to ensure transparency in evaluating the sub-projects. He said that he has personally monitored each step of the process to ensure fairness and uphold institutional integrity. Referring to his own professional record, he said, "Before joining the UGC, I have honestly and sincerely fulfilled my duties as the Vice-Chancellor of Dhaka University and the Chairman of the Public Service Commission. I will not want the honor earned in my long service life to be destroyed for any reason." He welcomed constructive criticism from the media and stakeholders in higher education, encouraging active engagement in ensuring accountability. Addressing concerns of political bias or favoritism in the selection process, Professor Faiz clarified that there is no opportunity for individuals to submit sub-project proposals directly. All proposals must be submitted through the respective university’s academic committee and with the approval of its vice-chancellor. As such, the UGC does not have the jurisdiction to consider the political affiliations of the applicants. He emphasised that the evaluation process was conducted by impartial reviewers, consisting of qualified teachers and researchers from universities across the country. He added that national interest and academic merit were prioritied in the selection of sub-projects. UGC members Professor Dr. Mohammad Tanzimuddin Khan, Professor Dr. Mohammad Anwar Hossain, Professor Dr. Md. Saidur Rahman, Professor Dr. Machuma Habib, and Professor Dr. Mohammad Ayub Islam were also present. HEAT Project Director Professor Dr. Asaduzzaman highlighted the progress of the project and elaborated on the selection procedure. Director of the Public Relations and Publications Department Dr. Shamsul Arefin moderated the event, which was also attended by UGC Secretary Dr. Md. Fakhrul Islam, along with department heads and officials involved in the HEAT project. China’s cooperation significantly contributes to education sector: UGC Chairman On Wednesday, August 27, the UGC is scheduled to sign agreements with various universities for the implementation of 151 selected sub-projects under the HEAT project. The five-year HEAT project, aimed at enhancing the quality of higher education in Bangladesh, is estimated to cost over Tk 4,000 crore. The government of Bangladesh will cover 50.96 percent of the project cost, while the remaining 49.4 percent will be funded by the World Bank. The project is designed to address key challenges in higher education by modernizing curriculum to meet market demand, improving digital connectivity across institutions, building teacher training infrastructure, enhancing the capacity of the Bangladesh Research and Education Network (BDREN), supporting the Bangladesh Accreditation Council, and promoting innovation and competitive research in universities across the country. Prof Faiz reaffirmed that the UGC remains committed to upholding the highest standards of transparency and national interest throughout the project's implementation.

Professor Dr. SMA Faiz, Chairman of the University Grants Commission of Bangladesh (UGC), stated that China continues to play a vital role in Bangladesh's education development. The relationship between Bangladesh and China is not only long-standing but also built on trust, mutual respect, and cooperation, he noted. He made these remarks on Monday while speaking as the chief guest at a reception ceremony for students who have received scholarships from the Chinese government. The event was organized by the Chinese Embassy in Dhaka and the Association of Bangladesh China Alumni (ABCA) at a hotel in Dhaka. Professor Faiz highlighted that China has consistently supported Bangladesh's development, particularly in the education sector, which has been instrumental in modernizing and improving the quality of the country's education system. China's ongoing cooperation and investment have been highly fruitful in Bangladesh’s economic development, infrastructure construction, and human resource development, he opined. He expressed his firm belief that the relationship between the two countries will deepen in the future, with cooperation expanding into various fields, including education, research, technology, and culture, which will bring greater benefits to the people of both nations. Dhaka University symbolises our national identity: UGC Chairman Mr. Li Saoping, Cultural Counselor of the Chinese Embassy, spoke as a special guest at the event. The programme was chaired by Professor Dr. Md. Shahabul Haque, General Secretary of the Association of Bangladesh China Alumni (ABCA) and a professor in the Department of Political Studies at Shahjalal University of Science and Technology. During the event, Najmul Haque Himel, who successfully crossed the English Channel this year, was also honored. He was presented with a crest and an Achievement Award Certificate. Among others spoke in the programme Professor Dr. Rakibul Haque, vice president of ABCA and professor in the Department of Management Information Systems at Dhaka University, Dr. Kawsar Swapan, joint secretary and managing director of life long hospital, Maruf Hasan, joint secretary and PhD researcher at Wuhan University, Jannatun Nahar, social welfare secretary and Chinese language teacher at the IML of Dhaka University, Nilambar, Cultural Attaché of the Chinese Embassy.

Recalling the rich contribution of Dhaka University (DU) to build the nation, University Grants Commission (UGC) Chairman Dr. SMA Faiz on Tuesday said that DU is not just an educational institution but a symbol of the nation’s identity, the root of its civilisation and the epicentre of its struggle for independence. He made the remarks while presenting the keynote paper at a discussion held at the Teacher-Student Centre (TSC) auditorium of the university, marking Dhaka University Day. “The theme of today’s celebration—‘Building an Inclusive and Inequality-Free Society: Dhaka University’s Commitment’—is not just a slogan. It reflects our consciousness, our moral responsibility and the promise that lies ahead of us,” the UGC chairman said. He said the DU itself was born out of the need to eliminate discrimination and its greatest achievement is its inclusive character where rich and poor, urban and rural, men and women, majority and minorities — all have received equal dignity. “Every voice matters here and every dream has the right to be pursued,” he said. Dhaka University unveils budget for FY 2025-26 Speaking at the event, DU Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr. Niaz Ahmed Khan warned that any attempt to stand the country’s historic movements against each other will be resisted. “The Language Movement, the Liberation War, the 1969 Mass Uprising, the anti-autocracy movement of the 1990s, and the recent student movements — all these struggles complement each other. They are our pride, they are part of our identity,” he said. The VC stressed that along with playing a significant political role in the nation's history, the university has the responsibility to ensure quality education. “Those who sacrificed their lives in the mass uprisings left a responsibility on our shoulders—to ensure an environment conducive to learning, and to maintain a strong bond of trust and cooperation between teachers and students,” he added.  

Chairman of University Grants Commission Prof Dr SMA Faiz on Thursday said the existing gap between teachers and students in various universities needs to be narrowed. "A distance between teachers and students created in different universities in the country. This gap between the teachers and students must be reduced to overcome the current situation," he said. He made the remarks while addressing the certificate awarding ceremony of the 31st foundational training programme for university teachers at the UGC auditorium. The UGC chairman suggested the university teachers to be more humane towards the students. SMA Faiz called upon the universities to take timely initiatives to meet the evolving demands and aspirations of the new generation. UGC to decide soon on launching PhD programmes at pvt universities: Chairman Faiz UGC members Prof Dr Mohammad Tanzimuddin Khan and Prof Dr Masuma Habib, as well as Bangladesh Agricultural University (BAU) Vice Chancellor Prof Dr AK Fazlul Haque Bhuiyan, also spoke at the event presided over by UGC Secretary Dr Md Fakhrul Islam A total of 25 young faculty members from 13 public universities took part in the month-long foundational training, organised by Graduate Training Institute (GTI) of BAU with financial support from the UGC.

The University Grants Commission (UGC) will soon take a decision on allowing private universities to introduce PhD programmes, UGC Chairman Professor Dr SMA Faiz said on Sunday. He made the remarks while speaking at a stakeholder consultation on the Private University Act 2010 (Amended 2024) held at the UGC auditorium. Dr Faiz said only those private universities that meet the required academic and infrastructural standards would be permitted to offer PhD programmes. Highlighting the role of universities in society, he said they are not isolated from its challenges and therefore have a responsibility to conduct research aimed at solving pressing social issues. He also urged university authorities to be mindful of students’ changing expectations and mental well-being in the context of current social and political dynamics, and to take proactive steps in addressing these concerns. Govt to initiate PhD programme in nursing: UGC chairman Clarifying the Commission’s role, he said, “The Commission does not view itself as a regulatory authority but rather as a facilitator for enhancing the quality of higher education and research.” He assured that all constructive recommendations made during the meeting would be given due consideration. The event was chaired by Dr Md Sultan Mahmud Bhuiyan, Director of UGC’s Private University Division, while Prof Dr. Mohammad Anwar Hossain, Acting Member in charge of the division, attended as special guest. Dhaka University Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr Niaz Ahmed Khan, Rajshahi University VC Dr Saleh Hasan Nakib, Jagannath University VC Prof Dr Rezaul Karim, North South University VC Prof Dr Abdul Hannan Chowdhury, East West University VC Prof Dr Shams Rahman, National University VC Prof Mohammad Nurul Islam, Brac University Dean Prof Dr Yusuf Haider, and Association of Private Universities of Bangladesh President and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Daffodil International University Dr Mohammad Sabur Khan, among others, also joined the consultation. Nuri Shahreen Islam, Senior Assistant Director of the Private University Division, conducted the programme.

The University Grants Commission (UGC) has initiated strict monitoring mechanisms to ensure transparency in the utilisation of research funds at private universities in the country. It has also begun work on drafting a set of guidelines to regulate the distribution and use of these funds. As part of this initiative, the UGC has formed a committee to draft policies on how private universities should use their research allocations. The committee is tasked with examining whether research is being conducted appropriately, whether a specific percentage of total income is being allocated to research and how those funds are actually being used, including whether they are being spent at all. In an interview with UNB, UGC Member Professor Dr Mohammad Anwar Hossen, who oversees private universities, shared these developments. “All private universities are expected to maintain transparency in the use of research funds. There should be accurate information available on how research funds are being spent,” he said. “UGC currently lacks the means to monitor this in detail. However, a committee is now working on a guideline to address this," Professor Anwar Hossen said. Service rules in the offing to protect rights of pvt univ teachers He added that there had previously been no formal policy on research funding. “We are now developing one to ensure that research funds are spent properly. Many universities also receive foreign funding for research and related activities, but there was no regulation for this either. We are working to create guidelines covering these aspects as well, and we aim to complete it soon.” Professor Hossen also expressed concern over the lack of student involvement in research and the minimal output in terms of publications. “We are observing this closely to ensure improvement. Besides, proper methods for linking international funds with national development goals and ensuring correct financial practices will be devised," he added. Professor Hossen mentioned that private universities are required to offer 6% of their total student intake as scholarships — 3% for underprivileged students and 3% for children of freedom fighters. He went on to say, “Whether these scholarships are actually being provided and the criteria for awarding them are now under scrutiny. A separate committee is handling this matter. All members of the committee, including a former secretary, a former district judge, and several respected academics, are known for their honesty and competence.” UGC formulating strong policy to regulate foreign university branches in Bangladesh “This committee is preparing a guideline on how scholarships should be awarded, and whether they are being given at all. The committee will also report its findings to the court,” Professor Hossen mentioned. According to UGC sources, under the Private University Act, 2010, each private university is required to allocate a specific portion of its annual budget for research. This fund must be utilised for the development and expansion of research activities. University general funds are operated under the joint signatures of an official nominated by the Board of Trustees and the treasurer. These funds may only be used to cover necessary university expenses. Besides, by 30 September of each financial year, each university must submit the income and expenditure statement of the previous year to the UGC and the Ministry of Education.