TBM Report ||
University Grants Commission (UGC) Chairman Professor Dr. Mamun Ahmed has urged private universities to strictly adhere to the Private University Act and relevant regulatory frameworks, warning that tough measures will be enforced against any institution committing irregularities.
Speaking as the chief guest at the freshman orientation and merit award ceremony of Sonargaon University at the Officers’ Club in Dhaka on Thursday, September 3, 2026, the UGC chief underscored that education must never be treated as a commercial commodity.
Sonargaon University Founder and Board of Trustees Chairman Engineer Abdul Aziz presided over the event.
Addressing students and faculty, Professor Mamun Ahmed emphasized that the commission is committed to eliminating disparities between public and private universities to ensure equal educational quality across Bangladesh. He added that an institution’s age or status matters less than the technology-driven skills and knowledge students acquire for their careers.
Highlighting financial relief measures, the UGC Chairman noted that VAT on private universities was recently slashed by 5 percent, with negotiations underway with the government to reduce it by another 5 percent. He expected savings from this tax reduction to be redirected toward research, faculty training, and student welfare.
Regarding university administration, Professor Mamun clearly defined boundaries for governing bodies, stating that Boards of Trustees should avoid meddling in academic and administrative affairs, which must strictly remain under the leadership of the Vice-Chancellor, Pro-Vice-Chancellor, and Treasurer.
Jahangirnagar University Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. Mohammad Kamrul Hasan and Professor Dr. Md. Jamal Uddin attended as special guests, alongside Sonargaon University Trustee Board Executive Member Advocate Umme Salma and Advisor Azizul Bari Shipu.
 Chairman Professor Dr. Mamun Ahmed has urged private universities to strictly adhere to the Private University Act and relevant regulatory frameworks, warning that tough measures will be enforced against any institution committing irregularities.){kind=link}