Maximum fine raised to BDT 5 million: Private University Act becomes stricter

Staff Reporter | PNN

The University Grants Commission (UGC) has drafted amendments to the Private University Act, 2010, proposing a fivefold increase in fines for law violations, with a maximum penalty of BDT 5 million.

The draft stipulates that if a university violates the law or ignores government directives, UGC can impose up to BDT 5 million in fines. The prison term provision has been reduced from three years to two years.

To prevent degree fraud, the draft allows suspension of educational activities for a minimum of two years if a university is found involved. If a university is closed or its degrees canceled, certificates and transcripts of former students will be signed by a designated vice-chancellor or registrar; acting vice-chancellors cannot issue certificates.

The draft introduces new regulations for trustee boards: no more than five members from the same family, with a total of 9–15 members per board, ensuring transparency and accountability.

UGC-led search committees will be mandatory for appointing vice-chancellors, pro-vice-chancellors, and treasurers. Establishing a university requires at least 5 acres of land, and tuition fees must be approved by UGC.

UGC member Prof. Dr. Mohammad Anwar Hossain said the draft will be finalized soon and sent to the Ministry of Education. Once enacted, the administrative structure of private universities will be stronger and centralized control will reduce. Currently, there are 116 approved private universities in Bangladesh, with 105 actively running, serving nearly 358,000 students.