Evaluating the Quality of Higher Education in Private Universities of Bangladesh: Challenges, Developments, and the Path Forward

Abstract

After the Private University Act was passed in 1992, Bangladesh saw a fast growth of private universities, so changing the higher education scene in the nation. This rise was mostly a reaction to public universities' inability to meet the rising demand for tertiary education. Although private universities have brought contemporary academic models, including American-style courses and semester schedules, their spread raises questions about academic governance, quality assurance, and fair access. With an eye toward four key areas faculty resources, infrastructure, research culture, and regulatory mechanisms this paper looks at the quality of education in private universities. Employing a mixed-methods approach, the study makes use of both quantitative and qualitative information gathered from six particular colleges. While key informant interviews were conducted with legislators, UGC officials, and university administrators, surveys were administered among students, professors, and guardians. Results expose notable differences in educational quality between universities. While some colleges satisfy international academic criteria and help to build human capital, many others suffer from poor infrastructure, over-reliance on part-time faculty, little research output, and inadequate regulatory authority oversight. Concerns also surround commercialization and a lack of academic rigor in some universities. The report ends with a set of focused suggestions meant to enhance Bangladesh's private higher education scene. These include the creation of a strong accreditation body, so enhancing the legal and regulatory power of the University Grants Commission, and using performance-based funding to encourage institutional quality improvement. Meeting national development objectives and improving world competitiveness depend on private higher education guaranteeing sustainability and quality.

Keywords

• Private Universities
• Higher Education
• Faculty Quality
• Infrastructure
• UGC
• Bangladesh
• Policy Reform
• Research Development

How to cite

Md Al Amin Molla (2025). Evaluating the Quality of Higher Education in Private Universities of Bangladesh: Challenges, Developments, and the Path Forward. Sonargaon University Journal, 5(I), 41–58.

@article{molla20251,
  title   = {Evaluating the Quality of Higher Education in Private Universities of Bangladesh: Challenges, Developments, and the Path Forward},
  author  = {Md Al Amin Molla},
  journal = {Sonargaon University Journal},
  volume  = {5},
  number  = {I},
  pages   = {41--58},
  year    = {2025},
  issn    = {2518-3125},
  url     = {https://su.edu.bd/journal/volume-5-issue-1/evaluating-the-quality-of-higher-education-in-private-universities-of-bangladesh}
}