Dhaka: University Grants Commission (UGC) Chairman Professor Dr Mamun Ahmed today urged private universities to strictly comply with the Private University Act and relevant rules and policies in conducting their overall activities for the welfare of students and teachers. He made the call while addressing as the chief guest a reception accorded to freshers and meritorious students of Sonargaon University (SU) at the Officers Club in the city.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Founder and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Sonargaon University Engineer Abdul Aziz chaired the programme, while Jahangirnagar University (JU) Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr Mohammad Kamrul Ahsan and Professor Dr Md Jamal Uddin of the university's Department of Environmental Sciences attended it as special guests. At the event, the UGC chairman stated that necessary action would be taken against those concerned if violations of existing laws and regulations are found and allegations of irregularities are proved.
Prof Mamun urged students to become respectful to teachers and society, and to develop as responsible and humane individuals alongside acquiring knowledge and skills. He emphasized that the UGC is working to ensure quality education and equal opportunities for every student, without discrimination between public and private universities.
Highlighting the importance of technology in education, Prof Mamun noted that a student's success depends less on which university they study at and more on what they learn, the skills they acquire, and their preparedness for the job market. He encouraged students to make themselves competent in knowledge, skills, creativity, and research by making the best use of technology.
Prof Mamun revealed that around 50 lakh students are currently pursuing higher education in the country and stated that the UGC considers itself the guardian of all of them. He asserted that there will be no discrimination against any university, public or private, old or new. He called for building an integrated higher education system through mutual communication, knowledge sharing, and cooperation.
Regarding private universities, Prof Mamun mentioned that the government has recently reduced VAT on private universities by five percent, and discussions are underway to reduce it by another five percent. He expects private universities to utilize the savings from the VAT reduction for the welfare of students and teachers, teacher training, higher education, research, and technology-based education.
The UGC chairman stressed that boards of trustees at private universities should not interfere in academic and administrative affairs. He insisted that these activities should be conducted under the leadership of vice-chancellors, pro-vice-chancellors, and treasurers. Prof Mamun warned that strict action would be taken against institutions failing to comply with existing laws, rules, and UGC directives, in the interest of students.
Praising Sonargaon University's alumni network of around 20,000 former students, Prof Mamun highlighted the importance of alumni as an asset for a university. He encouraged communication and cooperation between successful alumni and current students to further enrich the academic environment. The event was attended by Sonargaon University Board of Trustees Executive Member Advocate Umme Salma, Adviser Azizul Bari Shipu, teachers, deans, heads of departments, officials, employees of the university, guardians, and media personnel.