The government allowed private universities to supplement public universities nearly two decades back. It was a positive move to enhance higher education in the country. The private universities have extended educational facilities only to students of affluent families. Admission to financially poor students is not denied formally, but tuition and other fees are fixed at such a level that students from financially weak families cannot afford.
Usually, a group of wealthy persons are the sponsors of a private university under the banner of a foundation. The contributing persons of the foundation, in most cases, form the governing body of the university and manage its affairs. They utilize the universities as sources of their earning. They do not take any formal dividend from the university, but they usually receive benefits in cash and kind in an informal way. Private universities are being set up by NGOs who collect exorbitant fees. If a survey is carried out, taking into cognizance the social strata of the students enrolled, things will be proved beyond doubt. Education is a basic right of the citizens and is not a saleable commodity. But private universities are selling education and the government should intervene and make things right.
Our honourable presidents attending convocations of private universities urged the private university authorities repeatedly to reduce the fees to accommodate meritorious but financially weak students but their requests had gone in vain. The very intention of introducing private universities in Bangladesh is being defeated. The situation needs a change. The admission, tuition and other fees of the universities should be fixed at affordable levels.
Md. Ashraf Hossain
8/A, Ramna, Dhaka-1000.
mah120cb@yahoo.com
Making private universities affordable to all
FE Team | Published: May 22, 2015 00:00:00 | Updated: November 30, 2026 06:01:00
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