In a landmark move to modernize the country’s academic regulatory framework, the University Grants Commission (UGC) is set to be restructured into the Bangladesh Higher Education Commission (HEC). According to a newly drafted ordinance, the proposed body will possess significantly enhanced legal powers, financial independence, and administrative status compared to its predecessor.
The interim government has recently released the draft of the Higher Education Commission Ordinance-2025, inviting feedback from stakeholders and the public until late January.
Enhanced Status and Governance Structure
Under the proposed law, the HEC will no longer be seen as a “toothless tiger.” The leadership of the commission has been granted high-ranking state status to ensure its authority is respected across the academic and administrative landscape:
- Chairman: Will hold the status and privileges of a full Cabinet Minister.
- Commissioners: Eight permanent commissioners will hold the status of Supreme Court Appellate Division Judges.
- Composition: The commission will consist of a Chairman, 8 full-time commissioners, and 10 part-time members—a significant increase from the current UGC structure to include a wider range of experts.
Unlike the UGC, which currently operates out of Dhaka, the new HEC will have the authority to establish regional offices across various divisions to better monitor the 172 public and private universities currently operating in Bangladesh.
Mandatory University Rankings and Quality Control
One of the most anticipated features of the HEC is the introduction of a formal triennial ranking system.
- Ranking: The commission will publish a ranking of all universities every three years based on research output, teaching quality, and infrastructure.
- Special Supervision: Universities that fall behind in these rankings will be placed under “special supervision” to ensure they meet minimum academic standards.
- Credit Transfers: The HEC will facilitate inter-university credit transfers and exchange programs for students and teachers, aligning local curriculums with international standards.
Executive Powers and Accountability
The draft ordinance grants the HEC the power to act independently of the Ministry of Education in several key areas:
- Direct Investigation: The commission can initiate self-motivated (suo motu) investigations into corruption or administrative irregularities.
- Punitive Measures: If a university fails to comply with directives, the HEC can suspend funding (for public universities), cancel program approvals, or even halt new student admissions.
- Financial Oversight: The HEC will have the power to summon accounts and conduct audits of any higher education institution.
A Shift Toward Autonomy
For decades, the UGC has functioned primarily as a recommending body, often dependent on the Ministry of Education for final decisions. Educationists have largely welcomed the new draft, noting that with 4.8 million students now in the sector, the 1973-era UGC framework is no longer sufficient.
Professor S. M. Hafizur Rahman of the Institute of Education and Research at Dhaka University noted that while the independence and increased manpower are positive steps, the success of the HEC will ultimately depend on its transparency and accountability.
The draft is currently available on the Ministry of Education’s website for public review. Once the feedback period concludes, the ordinance will move toward final approval, marking the most significant shift in Bangladesh’s higher education governance in over 50 years.
