‘Pvt varsities need to show more capacity to offer PhDs’

Private universities will have to show greater capabilities and capacity before they get approval to offer PhD degrees, says Dr Muhammed Alamgir, a member of the University Grants Commission, reports bdnews24.com.

Approval will not be granted suddenly and the UGC is not yet 'satisfied' about the preparations taken by private universities on the matter, he told the news agency on Wednesday.

"If private universities submit a full proposal, the UGC will discuss it. Their capacity will be scrutinised."

Public universities in Bangladesh are able to offer doctoral degrees, but private ones cannot.

The issue came to the fore during a television discussion on Tuesday.

"Universities can offer all types of education and opportunities for research, there are no restrictions on that," Dr Alamgir had said during the discussion. "But, to offer PhDs, the university must create an environment for research."

"Overall, the UGC is not confident that private universities can offer proper PhD degrees at this time."