The University Grants Commission (UGC) of Bangladesh has directed all unauthorised branch campuses and study centres of both domestic and foreign universities to immediately suspend their academic activities.
The directive was issued by the UGC’s International Collaboration Department through an official order. The commission has instructed these institutions to submit applications for official approval by 25 April.
In the official order, the UGC expressed “deep concern” regarding a number of institutions currently operating tutorial services, study centres, and branch campuses without the mandatory approval from the government and the commission. Authorities have already compiled a comprehensive list of these unauthorised entities.
The move is based on the “Regulations for the Operation of Foreign University Branch or Study Centres 2014”, which provides the legal framework for such operations in Bangladesh.
According to clause (i) of section 4(3) of these regulations, all unauthorised institutions are required to apply for approval by the April deadline to regularise their status.
The notice, signed by Jasmine Parveen, Director of the International Collaboration Department at the UGC, stipulated that academic operations must remain suspended until the approval process is completed. The commission warned that legal action will be taken against any institution that fails to comply and continues its activities without authorization.
This regulatory action is part of the UGC’s ongoing commitment to quality assurance and ensuring regulatory compliance across the higher education sector in the country.
