8 public universities approved in one year, 5 still non-functional

The previous Awami League government launched initiatives to establish public universities in every district. As part of that plan, eight public universities received approval in 2023 alone. However, two years later, five of them have yet to commence any operations. This is revealed in the University Grants Commission's (UGC) recently published 50th Annual Report 2023.

Public universities in the country are typically established through acts passed in the National Parliament. After the act is passed, the government issues a gazette notification specifying the effective date and rules. The university's organizational structure is then determined under this act. Once a vice-chancellor is appointed, the university's launch progresses significantly.

It is learned that the highest number of public universities were established in the last 15 years. Prior to 2009, there were 32 such institutions in the country. Currently, there are 62 approved public universities. Additionally, public higher education institutions have been set up in 44 districts as part of the plan to have one in every district.

According to statistics, the public universities approved in 2023 are: Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman University, Naogaon (Naogaon University); Mujibnagar University Meherpur; Bogura Science and Technology University; Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Shariatpur Agricultural University; Thakurgaon University; Lakshmipur Science and Technology University; Satkhira Science and Technology University; and Jatiya Pitabanga Bandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Science and Technology University, Narayanganj.

Two universities may start admissions

Naogaon University and Bogura Science and Technology University may commence admission processes in the upcoming 2025-26 academic year. UGC Chairman Professor Dr. S.M.A. Faiz told The Daily Campus, “We're progressing on this. They might start with two subjects each. If needed, they'll definitely join the cluster.”

VC appointed for one university

On December 2 last year, Professor Dr. Sheikh Bakhtiar Uddin from Chittagong University's Botany Department was appointed Vice-Chancellor of Mujibnagar University in Meherpur. The notification was issued by the Ministry of Education's Secondary and Higher Education Division. Signed by Deputy Secretary Md. Shahinur Islam under the President's order, it invokes Section 10(1) of the Mujibnagar University Act, 2023.

Five universities yet to start operations

The Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Shariatpur Agricultural University Act was passed nearly two years ago, but no further progress has been made. The dream of Shariatpur's people remains stalled due to delays. Distinguished locals demanded swift implementation at a June 30 roundtable at the National Press Club, organized by the Shariatpur Agricultural University Implementation Forum.

Following the fall of the Awami League government, the Jatiya Pitabanga Bandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Science and Technology University in Narayanganj, declared the country's 56th public university on January 16, was renamed Narayanganj Science and Technology University. The Ministry of Education approved the establishment on December 9, 2020. On September 4, 2023, the cabinet approved the university act under then Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's chairmanship, passed by parliament on November 2. The government has yet to initiate land acquisition.

On June 19, 2023, the cabinet approved Lakshmipur Science and Technology University under then Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's chairmanship, but no progress followed.

Thakurgaon University and Satkhira Science and Technology University, two other established public universities, have also not started operations.

A UGC Public University Management Division official told The Daily Campus, “UGC has not initiated any work on universities with passed acts yet. Until we receive ministry directives, UGC won't act. Currently, it's under the ministry.”