বিশ্ববিদ্যালয় মঞ্জুরী কমিশন

The University Grants Commission of Bangladesh (Bengali: বাংলাদেশ বিশ্ববিদ্যালয় মঞ্জুরী কমিশন), commonly abbreviated as UGC, is the statutory apex body responsible for coordinating, maintaining standards, and overseeing higher education in Bangladesh. Established on 16 December 1972 through Presidential Order No. 10 of 1973, the UGC operates as an autonomous organization under the Ministry of Education, serving as the primary regulatory and funding authority for universities across the nation.

History and Establishment

The UGC was founded shortly after Bangladesh's independence, with its legal framework formalized in 1973. The commission was created to preserve the autonomous nature of universities while ensuring government oversight through a centralized body. In 2010, the government announced plans to reform UGC into the Higher Education Commission of Bangladesh (HEC) to enhance tertiary education quality, though this transition remains ongoing.

Organizational Structure

The UGC is headquartered at UGC Bhaban in Agargaon, Dhaka, with a leadership structure comprising:

• A Chairman (currently Syed Muhammed Abul Faiz since September 2024)
• 5 full-time members
• 6 part-time members including vice-chancellors, professors, and government representatives

The commission operates through several specialized divisions including Public Universities Division, Private Universities Division, Research and Publication Division, and Quality Assurance Division.

Core Functions and Responsibilities

As Bangladesh's primary higher education regulator, the UGC performs several critical functions:

• Funding Allocation: Receives and disburses government funds to public universities for infrastructure, research, and operational needs
• Quality Assurance: Sets and maintains academic standards for curriculum, faculty qualifications, and examination systems
• Regulation: Oversees both public and private universities, with private institutions requiring UGC approval to operate
• Research Promotion: Funds research initiatives and facilitates academic collaboration between domestic and international institutions
• Policy Advisory: Advises the government on higher education policies and strategic development

Role in Accreditation and Quality Assurance

While the Bangladesh Accreditation Council (BAC) specifically handles program accreditation, the UGC plays a complementary role in institutional oversight. The commission:

• Maintains a database of all recognized higher education institutions
• Conducts regular evaluations of universities to ensure compliance with national standards
• Works with accreditation bodies to implement quality assurance mechanisms
• Monitors private universities through its dedicated Private Universities Division

Registered Universities

As of 2025, the UGC oversees:

• 57 public universities
• 116 private universities
• 3 international universities
• 2 special category universities

Notable public institutions under UGC supervision include the University of Dhaka (established 1921), Bangladesh University of Engineering & Technology (BUET), and Jahangirnagar University.

Challenges and Future Directions

The UGC faces several operational challenges including limited funding, maintaining autonomy from political influence, and managing rapid expansion of higher education institutions. Future priorities include:

• Strengthening research capabilities and international collaborations
• Implementing comprehensive quality assurance frameworks
• Expanding digital infrastructure for distance learning
• Aligning curriculum with labor market needs

Impact on Bangladesh's Higher Education

For over five decades, the UGC has played a pivotal role in shaping Bangladesh's academic landscape. By coordinating between government and universities, the commission has facilitated the growth of higher education while striving to maintain quality standards. Its oversight extends to approximately 175 institutions serving millions of students, making it one of South Asia's most influential higher education bodies.

Organization Name

বিশ্ববিদ্যালয় মঞ্জুরী কমিশন

University Grants Commission of Bangladesh

Acronym

UGC

Year of Establishment

1972

Control Type

Public

Entity Type

Non-Profit

Geo Focus and Coverage

National

Recognized by

n.a.

Affiliations or Memberships

n.a.

Number of Member Universities or Accredited Institutions

n.a.

Address

Agargaon
Dhaka
1207 Dhaka Bangladesh

Phone

+880 (2) 812 8174

Fax

+880 (2) 812 2948

n.a.

Official Social Media Channels

Facebook

Not available

X (Twitter)

Not available

LinkedIn

Not available

YouTube

Not available

Instagram

Not available

Wikipedia Article

University Grants Commission of Bangladesh's Wikipedia page

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