Category: Dhaka

Introduction: Brac PhD Program Launch Raises Eyebrows

Brac University has drawn criticism by launching a joint PhD program with SOAS, University of London, despite the University Grants Commission (UGC) not yet finalizing policy allowing private universities in Bangladesh to offer doctoral degrees.

Ministry Approval Bypasses UGC Framework

The PhD program was approved by the Ministry of Education on June 1, just before the Eid holidays, bypassing UGC’s ongoing efforts to establish a regulatory framework. UGC Secretary Dr. Md. Fakhrul Islam confirmed he only learned of the approval on the day of the launch, June 16.

UGC and Higher Education Experts Raise Concerns

Dr. Fakhrul and other UGC officials argue that under the Private University Act 2010, no program can launch without UGC’s recommendation. The Act only recognizes undergraduate and postgraduate degrees, excluding PhD programs.

Professor A.B.M. Obaidul Islam of Bangladesh Open University, a member of the UGC subcommittee developing the PhD policy, called for an investigation into how approval was granted before the framework was completed.

UGC Policy Still in Development

UGC began drafting the PhD policy in June 2024, but an initial committee was dissolved in August. A new seven-member team is now reportedly close to finalizing the framework, which will cover faculty qualifications, research facilities, and publication standards.

Brac University and Ministry Officials Respond

Chairman Prof. S.M.A. Faiaz defended the move, describing the program as a joint research initiative under SOAS’s academic policies. He argued that delaying such programs could hold back private sector innovation in research for another decade.

Assistant Secretary Md Sultan Ahmed clarified that approval came from a senior adviser based on Brac’s January 7 application. Joint Secretary Mosammat Rokhsana Begum claimed no knowledge of the approval, as it occurred during her leave.

Implications for Private Universities in Bangladesh

The launch could set a precedent for other private universities to pursue similar programs before national policy is enacted. UGC officials warn this could lead to regulatory confusion, potential corruption, and weakened academic standards.

Conclusion: A Turning Point for Higher Education Policy

The Brac-SOAS PhD program highlights the growing friction between institutional autonomy and regulatory oversight in Bangladesh’s evolving higher education system. As UGC finalizes its policy, this case may become a benchmark for future decisions affecting private universities and international academic partnerships.

In a landmark move to foster research-led solutions to pressing global development issues, Brac University (Bangladesh) and SOAS University of London (UK) have jointly launched a pioneering PhD program in the political economy of development. The initiative, grounded in equity and mutual collaboration, aims to cultivate a new generation of globally engaged scholars committed to transformative development research.

The program is a collaboration between Brac Institute of Governance and Development (BIGD) and SOAS’s Departments of Economics and Development Studies. It reflects a deepening of the long-standing academic relationship between the two institutions and represents Brac University’s first doctoral-level partnership with an international university.

Students enrolled in the joint PhD will engage with critical areas such as sustainable governance, inclusive economic growth, and social development. The program is designed with flexibility and inclusivity at its core—students can choose to be based in Dhaka or London and will be jointly supervised by faculty from both universities. Extensive fieldwork opportunities will be available through Brac’s research and operational infrastructure across Bangladesh.

Since planning began in mid-2023, both institutions have worked closely to develop an international quality assurance framework, ensuring the academic rigour and global relevance of the programme. By removing barriers to accessibility, the collaboration particularly aims to expand doctoral-level opportunities for students in Bangladesh and other parts of the Global South.

The program officially launched on June 16, 2025, with simultaneous ceremonies held at SOAS in London and Brac University’s Merul Badda campus in Dhaka. In London, the signing ceremony featured Tamara Hasan Abed, Chairperson of Brac University’s Board of Trustees, and Professor Adam Habib, Vice-Chancellor of SOAS, with Her Excellency Abida Islam, Bangladesh’s High Commissioner to the UK, in attendance as an honorary guest.

In Dhaka, the celebration was led by Professor Syed Ferhat Anwar, Vice-Chancellor of BRAC University, and attended by key dignitaries including Professor Syed Muhammed Abul Faiz, Chairman of the University Grants Commission of Bangladesh; Her Excellency Sarah Cooke, British High Commissioner to Bangladesh; and representatives from Bangladesh’s Ministry of Education and the British Council.

Chief Adviser of Bangladesh’s interim government, Nobel Laureate Professor Muhammad Yunus, praised the initiative, calling it “a wonderful collaboration” and wishing it “a grand success.”

Tamara Hasan Abed noted, “This initiative aligns perfectly with our mission to promote equitable development through evidence-based research. It offers an unparalleled opportunity for students—both Bangladeshi and international—to engage deeply with real-world development challenges.”

SOAS Vice-Chancellor Professor Habib added, “Our collaboration reflects a shared vision to break down barriers to research and support inclusive approaches to global development. Together, we’re creating a platform for scholars to shape the policies of tomorrow.”

Brac University Launches Bangladesh’s First PhD Program Among Private Universities in Partnership with SOAS University of London

Dhaka, June 16 – Brac University is set to launch Bangladesh’s first-ever PhD program among private universities, marking a historic milestone in the country’s higher education sector. The inaugural ceremony for the joint PhD program with the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS), University of London will take place on Monday evening at Brac University’s permanent campus in Merul Badda, Dhaka.

This announcement has been officially confirmed by both Brac University and the Bangladesh University Grants Commission (UGC). High-ranking officials from both institutions are expected to attend the launch event.

This is the first time a private university in Bangladesh has received approval to offer a PhD program. The initiative comes just a month after UGC Chairman Professor Dr. S. M. A. Faiz stated that only capable private institutions would be permitted to offer doctoral degrees following a rigorous assessment of their academic standards and research capabilities.

For years, there has been growing demand for PhD opportunities in private universities in Bangladesh, but the UGC had been cautious, citing the need for strict quality control and institutional readiness. Brac University’s partnership with SOAS University of London a globally recognized research institution, positions this new program as a significant step forward for research and innovation in the country.

This collaborative PhD program is expected to boost international academic cooperation, enhance research output and establish a global standard for doctoral studies in Bangladesh’s private higher education sector.

📝 Brac University PhD Admission Requirements (Expected)

While the official 2025 guidelines are yet to be fully released, based on international PhD programs standards and Brac’s past practices, you’ll likely need:

• Master’s degree (with strong academic performance)
• Research proposal (aligned with faculty interests)
• Statement of Purpose (SOP)
• Letters of Recommendation
• English proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL or equivalent if required)
• Possibly GRE or other standardized tests (based on SOAS guidelines)

📌 How Bright Admission Coaching Can Help

Bright Admission Coaching can assist you with:

✅ Application Strategy

• Choosing your research topic and aligning it with Brac/SOAS faculty.
• Understanding the joint degree structure and expectations.

✍️ Academic Writing Support

• Guidance on writing a compelling SOP and research proposal.
• Editing services for academic writing and recommendation letters.

📚 Test Prep

• Preparation for IELTS, GRE (if needed), or internal admission assessments.

🎯 Mock Interviews & Profile Building

• Simulated interviews based on PhD admission panels.
• Advice on publishing papers or improving your academic CV.

📞 Contact Bright Admission Coaching

If you’re serious about pursuing your PhD at Brac University, Bright Admission Coaching can offer personalized guidance to increase your admission chances.

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