Five public universities approved in 2023 remain entirely non-functional two years later, existing only on paper despite parliamentary legislation, according to the University Grants Commission's (UGC) 50th Annual Report 2023. The dormant institutions highlight growing concerns over implementation gaps in Bangladesh's ambitious higher education expansion.
The then government approved eight new public universities in 2023 as part of its one-university-per-district initiative. Whilst three institutions show signs of progress, five have witnessed no tangible advancement—no vice-chancellors (VC) appointed, no land acquired and no administrative structures established.
These include--- Shariatpur Agriculture University, Narayanganj Science and Technology University, Lakshmipur Science and Technology University, Thakurgaon University and Satkhira University of Science and Technology.
Public universities in Bangladesh are founded through National Parliament acts followed by government gazette notifications specifying implementation rules. Academic operations typically accelerate once legislation passes and vice-chancellors receive appointments. However, this standard process has stalled for the five universities.
The past fifteen years marked the largest expansion of public higher education in Bangladesh's history. Before 2009, just 32 public universities existed; today, 62 have received approval, establishing higher education facilities across 44 districts nationwide.
Among the eight 2023-approved universities, only two appear ready to launch. Naogaon University and Bogura Science and Technology University may begin enrolment in the 2025–26 academic year. UGC Chairman Professor Dr S M A Faiaz confirmed progress, stating they may start with two subjects each and potentially join the cluster admission system if necessary.
Only one vice-chancellor appointment has materialised thus far. Professor Dr Sheikh Bakhtiar Uddin from Chittagong University's Botany Department assumed the vice-chancellorship of Meherpur University on 2 December 2024 under Section 10(1) of the Mujibnagar University Act 2023.
The Shariatpur Agricultural University Act was passed nearly two years ago, yet no implementation has followed, prompting local citizens to demand swift action.
Narayanganj's science and technology university hasn't commenced land acquisition despite legislation passing on 2 November 2023.
Lakshmipur University of Science and Technology, approved on 19 June 2023, alongside Thakurgaon and Satkhira universities, shows no visible advancement.
A UGC official from the Public University Management Division explained that the commission cannot proceed until ministerial directives arrive, leaving these universities under ministerial jurisdiction.
The report reveals a troubling pattern: whilst higher education expansion continues on paper, institutional execution and resource mobilisation lag considerably behind, leaving several universities existent in name alone.
NRE/AM
