Private universities in Bangladesh came into being after institution of the Private University Act of 1992. As of 2008, over 55 of them had started. These universities follow an open credit system.
Criticism and controversy
There has been much controversy around the private universities and their practices. 11 universities went operational without a UGC approval which was made a necessity under the Private University Act (1992). 27 private universities were found running without a vice-chancellor. 10 universities were issued a deadline of one year from the UGC to improve qualities. Eight universities the UGC of Bangladesh recommended for shutting down due to poor quality of academic standards. Some were served with show-cause notice by judicial authorities asking why it would not be closed down. Some of these universities introduced new academic courses without UGC approval with other private universities. Others were found to deliver instructions in unauthorized courses and have illegal campuses.