Seven new private universities set for approval, educationists decry move

By Mushfique Wadud. Experts fear education standards will be lowered
At least seven new private universities with reported links to the ruling party are awaiting approval as the present government nears the end of its term, despite claims that most of the existing higher education institutions in the private sector are underperforming and struggling to attract students.
Education Minister Nurul Islam Nahid told the Dhaka Tribune Saturday that the process of approving the new private universities was under way. Education ministry officials, meanwhile, said they had already sent a list of seven universities to the prime minister’s office for consent. University Grants Commission (UGC) and education ministry sources claimed that some of the sponsors of the proposed universities have political links. More...