Published: 11:47 PM, 30 August 2026
Private Universities Phenomenally Contributed to Expand Tertiary Education in Bangladesh
Sanjana Bilkis Noor
Private universities have made a phenomenal contribution to the expansion of tertiary education in Bangladesh, opening new opportunities for thousands of students who might otherwise have been unable to enter university. Since the introduction of private universities in the early 1990s, the sector has grown into an important pillar of the country's higher education system.
Bangladesh's private university movement began in the early 1990s when the government introduced legislation allowing private institutions to provide university-level education. The initiative was taken largely because the existing public universities could not meet the rapidly increasing demand for higher education. Over the past three decades, the number of private universities has increased dramatically, and hundreds of thousands of students now study at these institutions.
The expansion has significantly widened access to university education. Every year, a huge number of students complete their Higher Secondary Certificate examinations and seek admission to tertiary institutions. Public universities have limited seats, while private universities provide an additional avenue for deserving students. Their multiple admission sessions, flexible academic calendars and diverse programs have enabled many students to continue their education without waiting for another academic year.
Private universities have also diversified the subjects available to Bangladeshi students. They have expanded programs in business administration, engineering, computer science, information technology, law, pharmacy, media studies, architecture, environmental studies and other emerging fields. This diversity has helped students choose subjects according to their interests and the changing demands of the labour market. In particular, science, technology, business and professional education have received considerable attention in private institutions.
Another major contribution is the introduction of comparatively modern teaching and learning practices. Many private universities have invested in laboratories, libraries, digital facilities, permanent campuses, student clubs and extracurricular activities. They have also emphasized English-language instruction, presentations, teamwork, communication and technology-based learning. These approaches are important because employers increasingly demand graduates who possess not only academic knowledge but also practical and soft skills.
Private universities have additionally created employment opportunities for academics and other professionals. Thousands of teachers, researchers, administrators and support staff are now employed in the sector. Many experienced teachers from public universities and professionals from different industries have also become involved in private higher education. This has helped create a broader academic environment and provided employment opportunities for educated professionals.
Research is another area in which leading private universities are gradually making their presence felt. A number of institutions have established research centres, published academic journals and encouraged faculty members and students to participate in national and international research. Some universities have developed collaborations with foreign institutions, creating opportunities for academic exchange and knowledge transfer. Such activities are helping Bangladesh become more connected with the global higher education community.
The contribution of private universities is particularly significant in reducing pressure on public institutions. Bangladesh's tertiary education sector has expanded enormously over the years. Every year, a large number of students seek admission to universities, but public institutions alone cannot accommodate them all. Without the participation of private universities, providing higher education to such a large population would have been considerably more difficult.
Private universities have also played a role in promoting education outside the traditional public university system. Many institutions have established campuses in Dhaka and other important urban areas, making higher education accessible to students from different backgrounds. Their flexible programs have also benefited students who wish to complete their degrees while managing employment or other responsibilities.
However, the phenomenal expansion of the sector has also created challenges. Quantity alone cannot guarantee quality. Some private universities have faced criticism over inadequate infrastructure, insufficient full-time faculty, weak governance and limited research activities. There are also differences in educational quality among institutions. Therefore, expansion must go hand in hand with strict quality assurance and effective supervision.
The government and the University Grants Commission should continue to strengthen monitoring, transparency and accountability in the private university sector. Institutions should be encouraged to invest more in qualified teachers, research, laboratories, libraries and student services. At the same time, students and parents should have access to clear information about the academic quality and performance of different universities.
Despite these challenges, the overall contribution of private universities to Bangladesh's tertiary education cannot be denied. They have expanded access, diversified academic programmes, created employment, introduced new approaches to teaching and provided an alternative pathway for a large number of students. With stronger quality assurance and greater emphasis on research, innovation and employability, private universities can play an even greater role in transforming Bangladesh's young population into a skilled and productive workforce.
The phenomenal growth of private universities is therefore not merely a story of institutional expansion; it is a significant chapter in Bangladesh's journey towards a broader, more accessible and knowledge-based higher education system.
Sanjana Bilkis Noor
studies Business Administration
in Southeast University, Dhaka.
