Private univs to be allowed to offer PhD programmes

The government is set to make decisions on key educational reforms, including allowing private universities to offer MPhil and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) programmes. 

An additional secretary of the Ministry of Education has been appointed as a representative to oversee these decisions.

This development was outlined in a notification issued by Md Shahinur Islam, Deputy Secretary of the Secondary and Higher Education Department, on Sunday (December 8).

The notification says that Nurun Akhtar, Additional Secretary of the Secondary and Higher Education Department (University-1), has been designated to address multiple issues, such as: introduction of MPhil and PhD programmes, establishing a uniform grading system, streamlining semester systems (dual semester and trisemester models) and enhancing global rankings and credit hour policies for private universities.

The University Grants Commission (UGC), the regulatory body for higher education, initially proposed allowing PhD programmes in private universities earlier this year. 

A six-member committee was also formed to draft relevant policies.

However, progress stalled following the fall of the Sheikh Hasina government on August 5. 

Recently, the UGC revitalised the initiative by forming a new convening committee to finalize the process.

The committee includes: two representatives from private universities, two representatives from public universities, three representatives from the UGC and the Ministry of Education.