Pundra varsity appeals for reopening

A probe committee of education ministry submitted a report to the government on April 18, 2004 recommending the closure of eight private universities in the country including Pundra university for flouting the rules of Private University Reform Act 1998.

The government however did not close those universities as the committee asked them to fulfil the necessary criteria.

At a press conference at the National Press Club in the city yesterday, Pundra university authorities claimed that they have already fulfilled the criteria for reopening the university.

They said the university, having five acres of land, has deposited Tk 5 crore with a bank.

The authorities said they have also appointed adequate number of part time and fulltime teachers, and the university has a good library too.

They said after fulfilling necessary criteria, they informed the President, Prime Minister, Education Minister, University Grants Commission (UGC) Chairman and other authorities concerned about their move last month.

Sources said the PM referred the matter to the education ministry which in turn referred it to the UGC. But the UGC did not approve its application for clearance,

Pundra university Vice-chancellor Prof Lutfar Rahman and Pro-VC Prof Abdul Hi Chowdhury were present at the press conference.