Govt allows private universities to take online classes, exams

The Education Ministry has decided to allow private universities to take online classes and examinations amid the current coronavirus situation in the country.

Confirming the matter, UGC Chairman Professor Kazi Shahidullah told The Business Standard that UGC will circulate a guideline for the private universities to complete the current semester.

"Many private universities have the capabilities to continue the classes through online. We will give them a guideline on how they should take classes and hold examination to complete the current semester," he said.

The Education Ministry held a meeting with the vice-chancellors of both public and private universities after getting irregularities of giving certificates in this regard.

Education Minister Dr Dipu Moni presided over the meeting while Deputy Minister Mohibul Hasan Chowdhury, UGC Chairman and Dhaka University Vice Chancellor Professor Akhtaruzzaman and many privater universities VCs were present, among others.

Professor Shahidullah said, "We discussed everything about public and private universities. Finally, we have decided that the private universities could complete their current semester following the UGC guideline. We will publish the guideline next week."

The private universities could continue their classes through internet if they want, he said.

Recently, Brac University conferred certificates to the students without taking examinations. Daffodil International University and many other private universities have asked the teachers to make the result sheets without taking examinations.

The UGC also on April 6 asked the private universities authorities not to hold exam through online and not to enroll new students.