The New Nation - Internet Edition

Staff Reporter

Leaders of the Association of the Private Universities of Bangladesh (APUB) yesterday called upon the government not to approve the proposed 'Non-Government University Ordinance-2008' immediately fearing that it would hinder the growth of private university.

They made their demand at a press conference held at Dhaka Reporters Unity in the city.

M. A. Kashem, Chairman of APUB read out written statement at the press conference. Vice President of APUB Abul Quasem Haider and Prof M Alimullah Miyan, Vice-Chancellor of International University of Business Agriculture and Technology addressed the press conference.

Addressing the press conference, MA Kashem alleged that the new ordinance has imposed many restrictions on the growth of private university instead of incorporating specific proposals for the improvement of education in the private universities.

He claimed that 51 private universities in the country have been offering qualitative education which is better than public universities.

When asked to explain his opposition to the proposed ordinance, Kashem fumbled to give specific reasons.

To a question that some private universities were selling certificates of higher education in exchange for money, Abul Quasem Haider said the Ministry of Education should take action against such universities.

Alimullah Miyan alleged that The University Grants Commission (UGC) through the cancellation of existing laws on non-government universities through ordinance-2008 wanted to negate the autonomy and independence of non-government universities.

Abolishing the requirements set out in the 1998 act for foreign universities in the new ordinance is nothing but a plea to serve interest of foreigners and make Bangladesh as a ready market recruitment of students by countries like Australia, Canada, UK, USA, Malaysia, India and many other countries, he added.