Many private universities in the country are operating academic activities from a single building and engaging in “certificate business,” Feni-2 lawmaker Joynal Abedin alleged in Parliament on Tuesday.
While raising supplementary questions regarding private university education during a session of Jatiya Sangsad, the MP stated that most private universities are failing to properly follow the structure and conditions prescribed by the Private University Act.
“Many universities have commenced certificate business by running educational activities in a single building,” Abedin said.
He added that these institutions do not offer quality education or adequate research opportunities, meaning they cannot genuinely contribute to raising the standards of higher education.
Earlier, in a written question, Abedin had asked if the government would take initiatives to make higher education costs at private universities affordable for students from low- and middle-income families.
Replying on behalf of the education minister, State Minister for Education Bobby Hajjaj said legal and institutional frameworks are in place to ensure that higher education costs at private universities remain affordable for meritorious students from low- and middle-income families.
Abedin further alleged that over the past 16 years, many private universities were approved on a partisan basis, leading to them mushrooming across the country.
He questioned whether the government would take effective action against institutions that lack quality education, required research facilities, and adequate campuses as mandated by the Private University Act.
In response, State Minister Bobby Hajjaj said that if the MP wants detailed information regarding any specific private university, he can request it through a notice, and the necessary details will be provided.
