In conversation with leaders of private university education in Bangladesh

Prof. Atiqul Islam

Vice-Chancellor, North South University (NSU)

North South University (NSU) acknowledges gradual progress with pride. Many NSU students have secured high-ranking positions in multinational corporations. They have also contributed significantly to the country's development by supplying qualified human resources to the competitive job market.

NSU is actively preparing to expand and aims to position itself among the top 100 universities in Asia. Our plans include the construction of an international-standard campus with essential facilities to support students in their pursuit of excellence. The university is determined to provide the best education possible and maintain a leadership position in the higher education sector.

NSU places great emphasis on its faculty members, who are of international standard. Moreover, NSU is dedicated to keeping its technological and lab facilities up-to-date.

The university also prides itself on its well-structured curriculum, which is continuously updated to keep up with the ever-evolving demands of the job market. Our curriculum emphasises practical knowledge, particularly in the field of science. This hands-on approach to learning prepares students for real-world challenges.

NSU is committed to making education accessible to all students. The university sets an extraordinary example by offering up to 100 percent tuition fee waivers based on exceptional academic performance and admission test results. NSU also provides scholarships based on humanitarian and financial needs. Children of freedom fighters enjoy full free studentship at the university. NSU also offers various on-campus employment opportunities.

In matters of health and well-being, NSU maintains its own in-house medical centre, a pathology lab, a modern pharmacy, and a dedicated student counselling centre.

Tanweer Hasan, PhD

Vice-Chancellor, Independent University, Bangladesh (IUB)

Independent University, Bangladesh (IUB) distinguishes itself in several key ways. Our academic and organisational outlook is built on four strategic points – strong liberal arts foundation, technological competence, global consciousness and environmental responsibility. We call them the four pillars of IUB.

The quality of student life at IUB is exceptional, with vibrant club activities, sports facilities, and an environment that nurtures appreciation for art, music, literature, etc. Together, they help our students strike a fine balance between physical and mental well-being, which is essential for achieving academic excellence.

Our unique "Coding for All" initiative ensures all students, irrespective of their major, acquire computer and coding skills, which are extremely important in the context of the 4th Industrial Revolution. We also give our students the opportunity to learn multiple languages including Korean, Mandarin, Japanese, and French, which will equip our students with a global perspective as well as diverse communication skills.

We place high priority on promoting international collaboration in terms of research, resource sharing and exchange. This broadens students' horizons and provides valuable experiences that benefit them both before and after graduation, ensuring they are all well-prepared for global challenges.

In order to support the national goal of achieving sustainable inclusive development, IUB focuses on increasing the female student population by creating a women-friendly campus. As a result of a number of initiatives to promote inclusivity and empowerment, there has been a significant rise in female enrolment at IUB in recent years.

Prof. Imran Rahman

Vice-Chancellor, University of Liberal Arts Bangladesh (ULAB)

The University of Liberal Arts Bangladesh (ULAB) began its journey in 2004. Hence, we are still a relatively young university, but we have accomplished so much.

ULAB has over 5,000 students and 200 plus faculty members. We have established ten very dynamic undergraduate and graduate programmes, and aim to reach around 8,000 students. 

ULAB has received recognition in terms of ranking, certification, and accreditation from various local and foreign agencies, attesting to the quality of our education. So, we are in a very good place in our growth.

ULAB is the right institution for those finishing high school because of our student-first approach. We do our best to cater to our students' physical and mental needs. Facilities like sports, counselling, first-aid and health centre, and a variety of cafeteria options are available for our students. 

We have around 25 student clubs and apprenticeship programmes to develop leadership and organisational skills among our students. We have a very robust library with a great array of digital and physical collections, including one of the best Liberation War collections, and a resource centre for the works of the late eminent filmmaker Tareque Masud. 

ULAB is also unique because it has an Essential Skills Program, which prepares fresh students to acquire 21st-century skill sets. We have built an international-quality research platform through seven active research centres focusing on sustainable development, enterprise and society, qualitative research, Bangla studies, South Asian studies, advanced theory, and innovation and technology. Some of our students are working in our various ongoing international research projects.

Prof. Dr Abdur Rab

Vice-Chancellor, International University of Business Agriculture and Technology (IUBAT)

International University of Business Agriculture and Technology (IUBAT), established in 1991 by noted academician Dr M Alimullah Miyan, is the first non-government university in Bangladesh.

Aiming to produce at least one professional graduate from each village or ward under the theme of "education for every qualified person", IUBAT has been providing financial support to meritorious students in need of financial assistance. So far, IUBAT has students and graduates from all 64 Districts and from 540 out of 550 upazilas in Bangladesh.

IUBAT is the ideal choice for graduates because of its forward-thinking approach to education. Our curriculum is designed to be relevant to the current and future job market, keeping in view the fourth and fifth industrial revolutions. Our emphasis on practical, hands-on, experiential, and ethical learning and close industry connections sets us apart, providing our students with a competitive edge.

IUBAT has achieved an outstanding position of 1,411 in the prestigious QS World University Rankings 2024 and 511-600 in the QS Asia Rankings 2024. In the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2022, IUBAT was ranked in the 601-800 position, which evaluates universities' contributions to the SDGs.

Through partnerships with global institutions, exchange programmes, and a culturally diverse student body, we prepare students for success in a globalised world. IUBAT has memoranda of understanding with 113 higher education and professional institutions across Europe, North America, Australia, Asia, and Africa for student and faculty exchange, joint research, credit transfer, higher studies, and internships. At present, about 100 international students are studying at IUBAT.

Prof. Dr Qumrul Ahsan

Vice-Chancellor, University of Asia Pacific (UAP)

The university is maturing as we strive to establish its strong reputation. We have been listed in the QS World Rankings. Professors from Bangladesh and abroad have formed an international advisory group to provide us with guidance on how to advance our university. To obtain approval to offer PhD education, we are now trying to improve our research sector.

Our goal is to draw students with our varied and recognised programmes. For example, our Civil Engineering programme has accreditation. Our pharmacy department has achieved the best employment rate and is nationally acclaimed and accredited. The Bangladesh Bar Council also recognises programmes offered by the Department of Law and Human Rights.

We concentrate on enhancing our student's soft skills. Our programmes are designed to assist students in developing their critical thinking skills. For fourth-year students, we provide research projects along with internship and job placement services. We inked memorandums of understanding with several organisations to improve our students' careers and academic paths.

We are improving the quality of education by implementing the Education 4.0 approach. With over 50 clubs, we provide an extensive range of co-curricular and extracurricular activities. We provide excellent career advice, including job fairs and student walk-in interviews.

Mental health counselling is the most important service we offer in this fast-paced setting. Students choose to use this facility, and we maintain records of each student's progress.

We work to ensure that students have an easy transition from high school to college. We also make sure that there isn't any gender inequality within our institution.

Prof. Dr Chowdhury Mofizur Rahman

Vice-Chancellor, State University Bangladesh (SUB)

Our long-term goals are broad and challenging, with the goal of becoming one of Bangladesh's top private universities. This aim includes raising the social perception index in addition to becoming recognised in global indices like QS and THE.

Ensuring that our graduates are employable and highly sought after is a major goal of closing the industry-academia divide. Our goal is to produce graduates who can quickly pick things up, are behaviourally flexible, and are cognitively resilient in order to meet the demands of the fourth industrial revolution. We want to prepare our graduates for export to nations with negative population growth, where there is a great need for educated, technically proficient youth.

We have critically scrutinised the knowledge gap between leaving students and the ideal background knowledge students need to start university-level education. In our country, this knowledge gap is high at times. The teaching-learning process experienced by our students in high schools and colleges is not always suitable for university-level education. These factors put our students into big challenges when they start university-level education, and cause a large percentage of dropouts. We are trying to address this gap for a smooth transition to tertiary-level education.

We engage faculty members as mentors for our students. We also engage the students in different extracurricular and co-curricular activities, leading to a unique campus life experience. As an education provider, the end result we want to see in our students is that they have acquired skills in communication, creativity, critical thinking, and collaboration.

Prof. Dr Md. Abul Kashem Mia

Vice-Chancellor, United International University (UIU)

United International University (UIU), started its journey in 2003 under the patronage of United Group with only 76 students. UIU's vision is to become a centre of excellence in teaching and research in the entire South Asian region. The UIU campus has a large playground on 18 acres of land with lush green open spaces for outdoor recreation. It has the largest green campus in Dhaka city. 

UIU has been striving to improve the quality of higher education in the country in a different way and at a unique level. UIU has been consistently ranked as one of the top private universities in Bangladesh in the QS Asia University Rankings from 2019 to 2023. UIU ranked third among private universities and fifth among all universities in Bangladesh in the QS World University Rankings 2024.

There are more than 100 international-quality multimedia, air-conditioned smart classrooms. UIU has more than 45 labs for different departments. The syllabus for all our subjects is prepared timely and modified according to industry needs. On the curriculum committee, representatives from the respective industries always give their valuable input and suggestions.

Maintaining transparency, accountability, and integrity in the overall activities of UIU is a unique feature of this university. The biggest thing is the quality of education at the university. We are always striving to satisfy the students through the teaching and sincere efforts of skilled and experienced teachers. In this way, we want to move forward and take a position among the top universities in the South Asia region.

Prof. Dr Md. Abdur Rahman

Pro Vice-Chancellor, American International University-Bangladesh (AIUB)

Over 28 years, AIUB has earned a commendable reputation for delivering high-quality education. AIUB aims to attract and support exceptional individuals with diverse backgrounds.

In honour of the founder chairman, AIUB has established the "Dr. Anawarul Abedin Institute of Innovation (D2A2I)" to encourage research among both teachers and students. AIUB has also established research centres like Center for Nanotechnology Research (CNR), Center for Biomedical Research (CBR), Center for VLSI and Embedded Systems (CVES), Center for Sustainable Energy Research (CSER), and a Business Incubator.

AIUB is dedicated to providing cutting-edge tools that foster an optimal teaching-learning environment for students. All our programmes have received accreditation and recognition from both local and international quality assurance authorities.

AIUB boasts state-of-the-art laboratories and curricula designed to equip students with the latest knowledge and skills. Our distinguished faculty, numbering over 400 members, holds a minimum academic qualification of master's, with around 40 percent holding doctoral degrees. With a proud alumni network of over 37,000 graduates, many of whom are in renowned global companies, AIUB has proven its dedication to producing graduates of exceptional calibre.

Our strong industry ties provide valuable opportunities for internships, cooperative education, and practical experiences that significantly enhance students' employability.

AIUB has transformed all programme curricula into outcome-based structures, integrating Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Prof. Dr Abdul Awal Khan

Vice-Chancellor, International Standard University (ISU)

International Standard University (ISU) aims to provide social service through quality education with moral values, and achieve excellence as a seat of learning through devotion, hard work, and sincerity.

With support from the ISU BoT and academic and administrative members, we have created various ways to continue innovation and quality pertinent to education and research by collaborating with diverse industries and authorities, like the Standard Group Ltd., University Grants Council, Bangladesh Accreditation Council, associated academic institutions, and several corporate organisations.

We have developed the university's capacity to invest in students, teaching, and research activities. We have nurtured the careers and well-being of the students by creating platforms for career development to maximise their capabilities, stimulating outstanding research and innovation that fully supports student well-being.

ISU faculty members are well-qualified, having higher degrees from top-ranked universities from home and abroad. The curriculum has been developed to promote critical thinking and openness for the students to learn, providing them with the required knowledge and skills to tackle the challenges of the 4th industrial revolution and enabling them to adapt accordingly.

The university has founded the Center for Higher Studies and Career Development (CHSCD), aiming to provide job opportunities for students who are financially weak and not academically sound enough to qualify for scholarships or waivers, to allow them to pursue their studies unhindered.

Prof. Dr Eaysmin Ara Lekha, PhD

Vice-Chancellor, Uttara University

Uttara University was established in 2003 with the motto "Quality Education at Affordable Tuition". The mission of this university was primarily to provide quality education to those who found it difficult to bear the cost of higher education within Bangladesh.

In 2023, Uttara University has emerged as a hub of research, and the motto has evolved into "Excellence in Higher Education and Research". This shows the amazing growth the university has achieved in the last 20 years.

Students choose to study at Uttara University because of the unique facilities they get, like affordable tuition, tuition waivers, state-of-the-art academic buildings, free transportation all over Dhaka city, well-equipped laboratories, and much more. We believe that quality education can reach students at an affordable cost. We have a policy of Founder's Scholarship, under which meritorious students study for free at UU.

Our university puts a lot of emphasis on encouraging and inspiring students to stand beside disadvantaged people in times of need. Students are always encouraged to attend counselling sessions periodically where they are motivated to learn and enhance IQ, EQ, and human qualities so that they can not only develop themselves but also contribute to society and the nation. We have a team of dedicated clinical psychologists under our Drop-Out Prevention Unit which caters to the mental health needs of our students. Recently, our Bangla department inaugurated South Asia's first Health Humanities lab.

We are a university that creates leaders, strives for excellence in research, and assures quality in education and we are developing ourselves to be future-proof.

Brigadier General Md. Anisur Rahman (Retd)

Advisor, Presidency University

Presidency University (PU) stands as a centre of academic distinction, research strength, and a hub for diverse extra and co-curricular activities. PU is dedicated to providing quality education at its core.

The institution offers diverse academic programs, including Business Administration, Economics, Computer Science and Engineering, English, Civil Engineering, Electrical Engineering and more. Renowned scholars and industry experts form the faculty, ensuring a rich academic environment that encourages critical thinking and innovation. The curriculum is designed to impart knowledge and nurture critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving skills.

PU embraces students from various cultural backgrounds. This multicultural and ethnic diversity enriches the learning experience, fostering an environment where tolerance, understanding, and collaboration thrive.

The university also places a strong emphasis on preparing students for the professional world. Collaborations with industry leaders, internships, and career guidance programs are integral parts of the academic journey.

Recognising the significance of physical well-being, PU places great emphasis on sports and fitness activities. PU takes great pride in its robust research culture. The institution actively promotes research endeavours across departments, encouraging students and faculty alike to explore new frontiers of knowledge.

PU stands tall as an institution that not only imparts quality education but also cultivates a nurturing environment for holistic growth. By combining academic rigour, research excellence, and a vibrant campus life, it continues to produce graduates equipped thrive in an ever-evolving global landscape.