The Bangladesh University Grants Commission (UGC) is set for a major overhaul, with plans underway to rename it the Bangladesh Higher Education Commission (BHEC) and significantly expand its authority, structure and powers.
A draft ordinance proposing the changes was published on December 10, inviting opinions from stakeholders until January 20.
If approved, the Bangladesh Higher Education Commission Ordinance 2025 will repeal the University Grants Commission of Bangladesh Order, 1973.
However, officials say the ordinance is unlikely to be enacted before the formation of a new government and parliament following the next national elections.
Chairman to enjoy ministerial rank
Under the draft ordinance, the new Higher Education Commission will consist of a chairman and eight full-time members, along with 10 part-time members. The chairman will hold the rank of a cabinet minister, while the members’ status will be equivalent to that of judges of the Appellate Division of the Supreme Court.
Currently, the UGC has a chairman, up to five full-time members and nine part-time members, with comparatively limited authority.
Appointment through search committee
A three-member search committee will be formed to appoint the chairman and members of the commission. The committee will be headed by a former chief justice or a retired Appellate Division judge and will include a former UGC chairman and a national professor. The committee will recommend at least two names for each post, from which the President will make the final appointments.
Removal only like Supreme Court judges
The draft ordinance also strengthens job security for commission members. The chairman and members of the Higher Education Commission can only be removed in the same manner and on the same grounds as Supreme Court judges – such as proven misconduct or incapacity – marking a significant shift from the existing UGC framework.
Expanded powers over universities
If enacted, the Higher Education Commission will wield far greater authority than the current UGC. It will have the power to suspend allocated funds to public universities that fail to comply with its recommendations within a reasonable time. The commission may also cancel or suspend academic programmes, halt student admissions, and withdraw approvals where necessary.
UGC member (private universities) Professor Mohammad Anwar Hossain said the current UGC mainly implements government decisions. “Hopefully, the Higher Education Commission will have the authority to take independent decisions,” he said.
Mandatory university rankings
The draft ordinance makes it mandatory for the commission to publish rankings of all approved universities every three years based on set criteria. Institutions at the lower end of the rankings will be brought under special supervision to improve academic quality.
Uniform policies for recruitment and admission
The commission will also formulate uniform rules for recruitment, promotion and employment of teachers and staff at public universities, as well as standard admission policies for private universities.
Authority over new universities and courses
Unlike the current system, where the Ministry of Education approves new universities, the Higher Education Commission will determine the necessity and priority for establishing new institutions. It will also set conditions for opening new departments, faculties, institutes, programmes and courses in existing universities.
UGC Chairman Professor Dr SMA Faiz told Jago News that strengthening the institution was essential. “Many important tasks could not be done earlier. If this ordinance is finally approved, it will be groundbreaking,” he said.
Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Education Alif Rudaba said stakeholder feedback is being collected and consultations will follow. However, he reiterated that the ordinance cannot be passed before a new government takes office after the national elections.