BSPUA demands end to discrimination against private universities

The Bangladesh Society for Private University Academics (BSPUA) has called for an end to longstanding discrimination against private universities in the country, according to a media statement.

At a press conference held at the National Press Club on Tuesday, BSPUA President Prof Dr Farid A Sobhani, who teaches at United International University, said private universities are contributing significantly to higher education. 

Citing the 2024 QS World University Rankings and Times Higher Education Rankings, he said that private universities are not lagging behind public ones in terms of educational quality and research.

However, it is with great regret that Bangladesh's private universities have been subjected to various forms of discrimination for a long time, which is unacceptable under any circumstances, Mr Sobhani said. 

As for PhD programmes, the BSPUA president said that private universities are not allowed to offer PhD programmes even though top performing private universities in Bangladesh are ahead of many public universities in terms of infrastructure and quality.

He demanded the immediate launch of PhD programmes in private universities. 

Dr Nahin Mamun, General Secretary of BSPUA, delivered the welcome address at the press conference, while Dr Mohammad Abdullah Al-Mamun conducted the programme. 

BSPUA Vice-President (Academic) Professor Dr Akhtar Hossain, BSPUA Vice-President (Research and Innovation) Professor Dr Mamun Habib, among others, were present.