No distinction between public, private universities: UGC Chairman

University Grants Commission (UGC) Chairman Professor Dr Mamun Ahmed has said the commission makes no distinction between public and private universities and will support institutions that are performing well and making efforts to improve.

He made the remarks as the chief guest at the freshmen reception programme of East West University (EWU) 2026 on Thursday. On the occassion, an event marking the Nazrul Year was also held.

Speaking about the UGC’s role in improving the quality of higher education, the UGC chairman said the commission does not want to merely regulate universities but also wants to cooperate with and support them.

Highlighting the challenges facing higher education in Bangladesh, Professor Mamun Ahmed said although higher education has expanded significantly, producing quality graduates remains a major challenge.

In many cases, university education is not aligned with the job market and the realities of everyday life, he added.

He said human resources are Bangladesh’s greatest asset. Investment in quality education and skills development for students will create employment opportunities both at home and abroad.

“Even when there are no job opportunities, skilled people can create their own employment opportunities by putting their skills to use,” he added.

Regarding the responsibilities of the Boards of Trustees (BoT) and academic administrations of private universities, Professor Mamun said their duties and jurisdictions are clearly defined by law. All concerned must perform their responsibilities within their respective jurisdictions, he added.

He said private universities, as non-profit institutions, must spend their funds on teacher development, research and student welfare. They should also increase scholarship opportunities for financially disadvantaged students, he added.

On reducing VAT on private universities, the UGC chairman said the government had reduced VAT by five percentage points following a recommendation from the UGC.

“The UGC is working to reduce it by another five percentage points next year,” he said, adding that the commission expects private universities to use the financial benefits from the VAT reduction for teacher development, research and student welfare.

Regarding equal opportunities for research at public and private universities, Professor Mamun said whether a university is public or private, old or new, would not be considered while evaluating research proposals.

“The merit and quality of the proposal will be the main considerations,” he said.

The UGC will support innovative research aimed at addressing real-life problems and social challenges in the country, he added.

EWU Board of Trustees Chairman Professor Dr Mohammed Farashuddin, Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr Shams Rahman, Dean Professor Dr Anup Chowdhury, teachers, members of the Board of Trustees and students attended the programme.