Bangladesh University Grants Commission (UGC) Chairman Professor Dr. Mamun Ahmed recently issued a stern warning to private universities. He explicitly stated that if any private university fails to properly follow existing laws, rules, and policies, necessary and strict legal action will be taken against them. He delivered this warning on Thursday, September 3, 2026, in the afternoon, during his speech as the chief guest at the freshers' reception and meritorious students' felicitation ceremony of Sonargaon University, held at the Officers' Club in the capital.
In his speech, Professor Mamun Ahmed emphasized the utmost importance of adhering to the Private University Act and related rules and policies. He stressed that these laws and regulations are essential for the overall operation of a university. If any deviation from the laws and rules occurs or if any allegation of irregularity is proven, exemplary measures will be taken against those involved, which will ensure the quality and transparency of higher education.
With the aim of ensuring good governance in higher education institutions, the UGC Chairman called upon the trustee boards of private universities not to interfere unduly in academic and administrative activities. He clearly stated that the academic and administrative activities of a university should be conducted under the leadership of the Vice-Chancellor, Pro-Vice-Chancellor, and Treasurer. He opined that if the independence and effectiveness of these office bearers are not ensured, maintaining the quality of higher education will become difficult.
He urged university authorities to move away from the tendency of viewing education merely as a commercial product. Professor Mamun Ahmed stated that every university should not just be a center for granting degrees but rather transform into a vibrant hub for the pursuit of knowledge, research, and free thinking. Creating an environment for innovation and the generation of new knowledge should be the primary objective of universities.
Regarding the Value Added Tax (VAT) imposed on private university students, the UGC Chairman shared important information. He said that the VAT for private universities has recently been reduced by 5 percent, which is good news for students. At the same time, he mentioned that discussions are ongoing with the government to further reduce VAT by another 5 percent. The UGC expects that the money saved due to the VAT reduction will be spent on the welfare of students and teachers, teacher training, research, and the development of technology-dependent education systems, which will contribute to the overall improvement of the education system.
Addressing the freshers and meritorious students, Professor Mamun Ahmed said that merely acquiring theoretical knowledge or obtaining a degree is not the ultimate goal of education. Along with knowledge and skills, students must develop into responsible and humane individuals. He emphasized making the best use of technology to qualify themselves in knowledge, skills, creativity, and research. These qualities are essential to face future challenges.
The UGC Chairman further noted that approximately 5 million students are studying in higher education across the country, and the UGC acts as the guardian for all of them. He firmly stated that the UGC will not discriminate against any university, whether government or private, old or new. The primary objective of the UGC is to improve the quality of higher education and protect the interests of students.
The event, presided over by Engineer Abdul Aziz, founder and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Sonargaon University, was attended by Jahangirnagar University Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. Mohammad Kamrul Hasan, along with university teachers, officials, guardians, and a large number of students. Such events not only inspire students but also create opportunities for discussions on important issues in the higher education sector.
