Bangladesh Society for Private University Academics (BSPUA) expresses deep concern over the proposed Private Universities Act-2025 and strongly demands detailed and inclusive consultation with all stakeholders before finalizing the act. BSPUA believes that the active and responsible role of private university students in recent times clearly demonstrates that they are important partners in the country’s higher education system. It is essential to exercise utmost caution and collective opinion in formulating a law that can fundamentally affect students, teachers, university administration and university founders, a press release said.
The organization believes that such a structural and long-term impactful law should be formulated through constructive discussions in the National Parliament and the participation of all concerned parties. If the law is rushed forward at the present time, there is a risk that the scope for democratic consultation and institutional discussion will be limited. BSPUA further expressed concern that some sections of the proposed draft law would significantly weaken the independent governance of private universities and disrupt the balance. Past experience has shown that such imbalances have led to administrative instability and disruption of academic activities in the private university sector.
According to BSPUA, effective reform is possible only on the basis of mutual trust, shared responsibility and respect for institutional diversity. Enacting laws without reflecting the views of the stakeholders can create unnecessary instability and dissatisfaction. The organization clearly states that the question is not about the need for change; rather, the question is whether it is being done at the right time, in the right process and in the right manner. At this time, advice and caution are more acceptable in the national interest than haste.
Therefore, BSPUA urges the government, the Ministry of Education and the UGC to initiate a transparent and inclusive consultation process with the participation of all stakeholders before finalizing the proposed Private Universities Act-2025. BSPUA believes that a private university law drafted based on discussions and feedback from stakeholders will be more acceptable, implementable and sustainable.
BSPUA believes in constructive dialogue and is ready to participate in any responsible discussion for the benefit of the nation’s higher education system.
