UGC to recommend retaining cluster admission test

Amid the student agitation, the University Grants Commission, UGC, has decided to make recommendation about the issuance of an Ordinance reinstating the cluster admission test to 24 universities.

The decision was taken in a meeting between UGC Chairman Professor Dr SMA Faiz and a delegation of admission seekers on Sunday afternoon, January 26.

UGC member (public university) prof Mohammad Tanzimuddin Khan and student representative Siam shared this information after the meeting.

Prof Tanzimuddin said they are agreed to the demand of students to reinstate the cluster system but UGC has no authority to give any direct direction in this regard.

“That is why, we advised the students to give application in written and we will send it to the Ministry of Education with recommendations. Then, the ministry will decide about this,” he added.

Student representative Siam said, “We discussed with the UGC chairman and other officials. It is decided that we will make our demands in written and the UGC will give its suggestions in this regard.”

Earlier around 11:00am, a group of admission seekers gathered in front of the UGC building in Dhaka, demanding the reinstatement of the cluster admission system.

They also announced to continue their movement until their demands are met.

At about 1:00pm, UGC Chairman SMA Faiz agreed to sit in a dialogue with the protesting students. Later, a 10-member delegation of students entered the UGC office.

AAH/MSU