Published : 19 Aug 2026, 04:45 PM
Updated : 08 Sep 2026, 09:34 AM
Steps will soon be taken to introduce PhD programmes at private universities in Bangladesh, Education Minister ANM Ehsanul Hoque Milon has said.
He made the remarks at the first-ever QS Bangladesh Forum 2026 at a Dhaka hotel on Monday, where higher education stakeholders discussed ways to improve global standards and the international standing of Bangladeshi universities.
The forum was hosted by American International University-Bangladesh (AIUB) and organised by QS (Quacquarelli Symonds), with support from the University Grants Commission of Bangladesh (UGC) and the Association of Private Universities of Bangladesh (APUB).
UGC Chairman Professor Mamun Ahmed attended the event as the guest of honour.
Questioning why private universities should not be allowed to offer PhD programmes, Milon stressed the need to create greater opportunities for advanced research in the private higher education sector.
Referring to the development of private universities since 1992, he said Bangladesh needs stronger research capacity and cross-border education opportunities.
He also said the country has thousands of teachers and researchers contributing to national development through their knowledge and expertise.
Mamun said private universities still have considerable room for improvement in global rankings and urged them to focus on academic quality and making their institutions more attractive to students.
This, he said, could help Bangladesh attract more international students.
He also called on private universities to put aside institutional differences and work together to improve the quality and internationalisation of higher education.
QS officials Ashwin Fernandes, Jason Newman and Rami Awad also addressed the forum.
AIUB and APUB representatives Ishtiaque Abedin and Md Sabur Khan spoke at the inaugural session, while AIUB Trustee Nadia Anwar delivered the vote of thanks.
Three sessions focused on QS rankings methodology, Bangladesh's QS ranking landscape and the QS Rankings 2028 cycle.
Two panel discussions brought together vice-chancellors from leading universities to discuss future skills in the AI era and digital transformation in higher education.
The forum brought together university vice-chancellors and senior representatives, academics, trustees, UGC members, policymakers, government officials, diplomatic missions, international organisations, development partners and industry representatives.
The discussions focused on internationalisation, global research visibility, student outcomes, international partnerships and preparations for the QS World University Rankings 2028 cycle.
The closing session featured a vote of thanks by Dr Carmen Zita Lamagna, former vice-chancellor, academic advisor and member of AIUB's Board of Trustees.
