Private university tax cut a springboard for quality

Bangladesh University Grants Commission (UGC) Chairman Professor Dr Mamun Ahmed has described the government’s decision to reduce the 5% tax imposed on private universities as a major opportunity to improve the quality of higher education.

The UGC chairman made the remarks while attending a programme organised by the Association of Private Universities of Bangladesh (APUB) as the special guest, according to a press release issued on Monday.

He stressed the need for universities to build a research-focused education system and develop a national research ecosystem to transform Bangladesh into a regional centre for higher education.

Dr Mamun Ahmed said the tax reduction should not be viewed only as a financial benefit, but as an opportunity for universities to enhance teacher and student skills, promote demand-based education and strengthen research activities.

“Universities should utilise the savings to improve quality education and expand research,” he said.
Highlighting the current state of private higher education, he said most private universities remain largely focused on teaching, but they must move beyond classroom-based learning and take a leading role in research.

“There is no alternative to quality research for addressing national challenges and building a knowledge-based economy,” he said.

Rejecting the notion that private universities receive no government support, the UGC chairman said Tk56 crore was allocated for research at private universities under the development budget last fiscal year.

He added that the UGC would continue supporting research projects capable of contributing to solving national problems.

Dr Mamun said around 5 million students are currently pursuing higher education in Bangladesh, and both public and private universities need to work together to develop skilled human resources.

He said the UGC maintains equal treatment for public and private universities, recognising the importance of both sectors in national development.

The UGC chairman said initiatives are underway to establish a national research repository and an integrated research ecosystem that will help set priorities, preserve data and prevent duplication of research.

He expressed hope that the initiative would attract more foreign students to Bangladesh while reducing the number of local students seeking international-standard education abroad.

He said strengthening industry-academia collaboration, expanding internship opportunities and promoting entrepreneurship are now key priorities for building a knowledge-based economy.

Finance Minister Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury attended the programme as the chief guest, while APUB Chairman Md Sabur Khan chaired the event.

APUB Secretary General Ishtiaque Abedin, Vice Chairman Benajir Ahmed, trustees, vice-chancellors and senior officials from various private universities were also present.