'Some pvt varsities flout govt guidelines'

"The role of private universities in ensuring higher education in the country is the reality of the day but some private universities are violating Private University Act 1992 for commercial purposes," said the UGC chairman at a roundtable in the city.

The roundtable on the 'Role of Private Universities in Higher Education' was jointly organised by Leading University and The Independent at the CIRDAP auditorium.

Tap here to add The Daily Star as a trusted source

"The UGC blacklisted some private universities for violating the rules but no action has been taken against them so far," said Prof Asaduzzaman.

He alleged that academic activities in public universities are being hampered as their teachers are giving more time to private universities.

"The UGC does not like to interfere in the activities of private universities but we have no other way but to interfere whenever we find any irregularities there," he added.

"It is premature to assess the success of private universities in the country as they need more time to flourish," he noted.

Prof Muniruzzaman Mia, former vice chancellor of Dhaka University, said private universities were established due to severe session jam and campus unrest in public universities.

Sonali Bank Chairman Prof Mahbubullah said only computer science and business-related subjects in private universities would hardly be able to create enlightened persons in the society.

Former vice-chancellor of National University and current Vice- Chancellor of Prime Asia University Prof Abdul Momin Chowdhury suggested a cooperative system for the exchange of knowledge among the public and private universities.

Former vice-chancellor of Open University and current Vice-Chancellor of South East University Dr Shamsher Ali said the government has to be more cooperative towards private universities.

Editor of The Independent Mahbubul Alam said there should be a ceiling of tuition fees in private universities.