06/08/2025
English for Today
Class 17
Academic Essay
The Commercialization of Private Universities in Bangladesh: A Shift from Education to Exhibition
Abstract
In recent years, private universities in Bangladesh have become increasingly focused on infrastructural development and architectural grandeur, often at the expense of academic quality and affordability. This essay critically examines the trend of excessive investment in campus beautification and luxury facilities by private universities, analyzing its implications for educational quality, student accessibility, and social equity. Drawing on testimonies from students, statements from academic authorities, and current data from the University Grants Commission (UGC), this paper argues that the growing commercialization of higher education poses serious challenges to the goals of inclusive, high-quality education in Bangladesh.
Introduction
The role of higher education institutions is to foster intellectual growth, research, and the development of human capital. However, in Bangladesh, a concerning trend has emerged in which private universities are increasingly prioritizing extravagant infrastructure over academic excellence. While the establishment of modern facilities is not inherently negative, it becomes problematic when such investments lead to escalating tuition fees and do not contribute meaningfully to the quality of education. This essay explores the growing culture of commercialization in private universities and its impact on students, especially those from lower and middle-income families.
The Rise of Infrastructure-Centric Education
Over the past decade, private universities in Bangladesh have engaged in a race to construct state-of-the-art campuses equipped with lavish amenities—marble floors, glass façades, international-standard laboratories, swimming pools, and gymnasiums. Universities such as BRAC, North South, United International University (UIU), and East West have invested heavily in architectural design and real estate. These developments are often marketed as indicators of academic prestige, attracting students and parents alike.
However, this infrastructure-centric model has directly influenced tuition structures. According to UGC data, tuition fees at private universities have surged by 20–40% over the last two years. Where once the average cost per semester ranged from BDT 30,000 to 80,000, it now ranges from BDT 50,000 to 150,000. The total cost of a four-year degree at a private university is currently 15 to 25 times higher than at a public institution.
The Economic Burden on Students and Families
This sharp rise in tuition fees has placed a disproportionate burden on students from lower and middle-income backgrounds. Many students report that, despite the escalating costs, there has been little to no improvement in academic services or curricula. For instance, a student from BRAC University noted that while a new building had been constructed, courses were still being taught using outdated syllabi from 2018. Similarly, students at North South University and UIU criticized the poor condition of classroom equipment despite multimillion-taka investments in decorative infrastructure.
Parents are also struggling to meet these rising expenses. A father of a student at East West University shared that he had to sell land to continue funding his son’s education. Another parent revealed that she had taken out a loan to pay for her child’s architecture studies at BRAC University. These narratives underscore how the pursuit of luxurious campuses has contributed to financial insecurity for many families.
Academic Quality vs. Architectural Grandeur
Despite the opulent campuses, academic indicators such as research output, curriculum modernization, and faculty training remain stagnant in many private universities. UGC Chairman Professor Dr. SMA Faiz expressed concern over the increasing fees, labeling the practice as a “business model” rather than an educational mission. He highlighted that students from Presidency University approached him to oppose the establishment of a permanent campus, fearing that it would further increase tuition fees and jeopardize their ability to continue their studies.
Prominent educationist Dr. Niaz Ahmed Khan from Dhaka University criticized the trend, stating that the “silver decoration” of campuses does not equate to educational excellence. According to him, true educational development lies in research capability, updated curricula, and the professional growth of teachers—areas that have been largely neglected in the race to build aesthetically pleasing structures.
Policy Gaps and Structural Challenges
The government's requirement that private universities must establish permanent campuses has inadvertently encouraged some institutions to undertake expensive infrastructure projects, the costs of which are passed on to students. Moreover, universities have started introducing hidden fees, including service charges, IT fees, and infrastructure development costs, which further inflate the actual cost of education.
While scholarships are offered, they are often tied to near-perfect academic performance, making them difficult to retain. For instance, at UIU, a CGPA of 4.0 is required for a full waiver, which students claim demands a score of 92% or more—an unreasonably high threshold.
Consequences and Social Implications
The excessive commercialization of private higher education is not only straining students financially but also widening educational inequality. Students unable to afford rising costs are forced to abandon their studies, as evidenced by cases like that of Sabrina Haque, a former civil engineering student at Uttara University, who dropped out due to financial difficulties despite taking an education loan.
Furthermore, the education system risks losing its core values. When branding and external appearances are prioritized over curriculum, teaching quality, and research, the purpose of higher education as a driver of national development is compromised. This model reduces education to a commodity, accessible only to the affluent.
Conclusion
The shift from academic excellence to infrastructural extravagance in private universities in Bangladesh reflects a troubling commercialization of higher education. While modern facilities are important, they should not come at the cost of affordability, academic quality, or inclusivity. There is an urgent need for regulatory intervention to control tuition fee hikes, enforce transparency in university spending, and redirect focus toward improving the core pillars of education—research, teaching quality, and accessibility.
Recommendations
Fee Regulation: The UGC should set clear guidelines to cap tuition fee increases.
Transparency: Private universities must disclose infrastructure expenditures and justify their academic benefits.
Quality Standards: Accreditation should consider academic indicators over infrastructure alone.
Scholarship Reform: Make scholarships more accessible and tied to socioeconomic background rather than just high grades.
Curriculum Modernization: Regular updates to syllabi and faculty training should be mandated.
