Struggling with crippling backlogs, political gridlock, and severe accommodation shortages, Bangladesh’s public universities in the 1980s and early 1990s were leaving thousands of futures on hold. But as wealthy families began sending their children abroad, a visionary alternative emerged right here at home. This is the story of how private higher education stepped in to rescue a generation.
Over the past three and a half decades, private universities have faced criticism and controversy over issues ranging from costs to academic standards. However, the sector has now become an integral part of the country’s higher education system.
The number of students enrolled in private universities has already surpassed the regular student population of the country’s 53 public universities. From the first private universities established in 1992, the number increased to 116 by 2026, although 106 are currently operating.
Around four lakh students are now studying at private universities, compared with slightly over three lakh regular students in public universities. The sector has also created employment opportunities for at least 18,000 teachers and more than 35,000 officers and employees.
The concept of private universities in Bangladesh originated with M Alimullah Miyan, a former professor of the Institute of Business Administration (IBA) at the University of Dhaka. Following efforts by Miyan and several other entrepreneurs, the government enacted the Private University Act 1992, formally opening the door for private higher education.
From elite institutions to mainstream education
Private universities were once considered expensive institutions designed mainly for students from affluent families. While concerns over tuition costs remain, the sector has gradually moved beyond that perception and become a choice for students from a wider social background.
Many middle-class and lower-middle-class families are now sending their children to private universities, although some have had to sell property or take loans to meet the expenses.
Firoz Kabir, a healthcare worker at Palashbari Upazila Hospital in Gaibandha, enrolled his only son Mursalin Dinar at a private university in Dhaka after the student failed to secure admission to a public university due to average SSC and HSC results.
Firoz believes private universities provide better academic supervision than colleges under the National University. He hopes studying in an English-medium environment will help his son develop the skills needed for a successful career.
For some students, the decision is driven by academic flexibility rather than financial ability. Salman Ahmed, who achieved good results from Rangpur Cadet College, chose not to sit for public university admission tests and enrolled at BRAC University.
His father, a retired brigadier general of the Bangladesh Army, supported the decision.
“My father did not want me to study at a public university because of political and other uncertainties. Besides, spending almost a year preparing for admission tests and completing the admission process did not make sense. I have already saved a year,” Salman said.
Private universities have also made significant progress in attracting international students. More than 2,000 foreign students are currently enrolled at different institutions, particularly in medical, business and engineering programmes. Students from South Asia, Africa, the Middle East and several European and Asian countries are increasingly choosing Bangladesh for higher education.
Manzoor Ahmed, emeritus professor of BRAC University, said private universities should be recognised as an important part of the national education system.
“The government must accept that private universities are part of the education system and are contributing to education,” he told TIMES of Bangladesh.
He suggested introducing subsidised education loans for students to improve access and encourage quality improvement, with eligibility criteria to ensure support reaches deserving students.
Quality concerns and improvements
Since their establishment, private universities have repeatedly faced questions over academic quality. However, many institutions have improved their standards through better faculty recruitment, stronger academic supervision and improved learning environments.
An education researcher at the University of Dhaka acknowledged that some private universities are now conducting research in science-based fields at a level comparable with, or even better than, several public universities.
An analysis of recent University Grants Commission (UGC) reports shows that research budgets of some private universities are eight to ten times higher than those of many public universities. However, the overall research performance of most private universities remains limited.
A UGC researcher said around 20 to 22 private universities are performing strongly, while concerns remain about the quality of many others.
“Some institutions are doing very well, but others still have significant weaknesses. With stricter monitoring and their own initiatives, these universities can improve,” the researcher said.
Private universities were once criticised over allegations of operating as “certificate businesses”. However, such complaints have declined due to regular monitoring by the UGC.
“All universities have to follow minimum procedures. They regularly update their information with the UGC, while the commission also carries out monitoring activities,” the researcher said.
Shaikh Sabbir Ahmed Waliullah, a PhD researcher at the Institute of Bangladesh Studies (IBS) of Rajshahi University, said the quality of education depends more on teachers’ commitment and students’ willingness to learn than whether an institution is public or private.
Having studied at a leading public university and taught at one of the country’s top private universities for years, he said many private university students may initially have academic limitations, but strong institutional support helps them progress.
He added that quality private universities have improved because of better teachers, classroom environments, extracurricular activities and accountability mechanisms.
This progress has also helped several private universities secure positions in international rankings.
Belal Ahmed, director of the Bangladesh Private University Association, said the sector had overcome major challenges since its early days.
“Initially, there were doubts about whether private universities could provide quality education. Infrastructure limitations, land requirements, teacher shortages, policy uncertainty, financial constraints, lack of research facilities and limited government support were major challenges. However, these universities have gradually proved their ability,” he told TIMES of Bangladesh.
New opportunities ahead
Private universities are now seeking approval to offer PhD programmes to expand their contribution to higher education and research. The UGC has said the approval process is underway, although standards for evaluating eligibility and capacity are being developed.
Under the proposed criteria, only universities with qualified supervisors, internationally recognised researchers and faculty members publishing regularly in high-quality academic journals will be allowed to conduct PhD programmes.
The Bangladesh Private University Association has also been demanding the withdrawal of VAT and taxes imposed on private universities. The issue was included in the government’s election manifesto.
Universities are also seeking simpler procedures for receiving research grants and international funding. Stakeholders believe stronger government support could help private universities play a greater role in research and higher education.
Belal Ahmed said Bangladesh could enter the global education market by introducing policies on cross-border education and overseas campuses.
“Education export can create a new sector of opportunity. It can help earn foreign currency, increase international student exchanges and improve the global recognition of Bangladesh’s higher education,” he said.
