Private Universities Now Legally Bound to Pay Income Tax After Supreme Court Verdict
Appellate Division of the Bangladesh Supreme Court
Overview
The Appellate Division of the Bangladesh Supreme Court has officially mandated that all private universities must pay a 15% income tax, overturning a previous High Court verdict. This ruling confirms the legal obligation of private universities to comply with the tax, effective immediately.
What the Ruling Says
The full verdict, now published on the Supreme Court’s official website, declares that no exemptions or reductions apply to private universities.
The Appellate Division concluded that the previous High Court decision was incorrect, and income tax applies uniformly under the law.
The ruling affirms that private universities fall under the category of taxable entities per National Board of Revenue (NBR) notifications.
Background and Timeline
June 28, 2007: NBR issued the first notice imposing 15% income tax on private universities.
July 1, 2010: A second NBR notification extended this tax to other private higher education institutions like medical, dental, engineering, and IT colleges.
46 writ petitions were filed by universities challenging this policy.
February 2021: The Appellate Division granted leave to appeal against the High Court ruling.
February 27, 2025: Final judgment delivered by Justice Borhan Uddin, affirming the tax.
Attorney General AM Amin Uddin stated: “The universities must now pay the 15% income tax. This does not affect students since VAT is not involved. The owners will bear this cost.”
Senior Advocate AF Hasan Arif represented the writ petitioners during the appeal.
Implications for Private Universities
Private Universities must adjust their financial practices and begin paying the 15% income tax on all generated income.
Non-compliance could result in penalties from the NBR (National Board of Revenue).
Though student tuition fees are not directly taxed, operational costs may indirectly impact fee structures in the future.
Conclusion
This ruling ends a long-standing legal battle and sets a clear precedent: private universities in Bangladesh must comply with a 15% income tax policy. While students are not directly taxed, the financial burden now shifts entirely to university authorities.
Updated: 13 June 2025
Note: The ruling has sparked 46 writ petitions filed by various private universities regarding the collection of income tax.
Daffodil International University with Purdue University Fort Wayne
In spring 2024, leaders from Daffodil International University (DIU) in Bangladesh visited Purdue University Fort Wayne (PFW) and were inspired by PFW’s Honors Program. A chance meeting with Farah Combs, director of the program, led to an international academic partnership that is now shaping a new honors program overseas.
From Fort Wayne to Dhaka: A Global Academic Exchange
During a campus tour, DIU officials spent time with Combs at PFW’s Helmke Library, where she introduced them to the structure, benefits, and student success outcomes of the Honors Program. A few weeks later, Combs was asked to help DIU build a similar program. She agreed, joining Professor Ahmed Mustafa—a longtime partner of DIU and professor of biology at PFW—and Dean Ron Friedman on a June 2024 visit to DIU’s campus in Dhaka.
Launching DIU’s Honors Program in 2025
Since that visit, Combs has worked closely with DIU’s new honors director to implement best practices from PFW. She is scheduled to return to Bangladesh in July 2025 to celebrate the grand opening of the program.
“I’ve loved every minute of it,” Combs shared. “Having a highly regarded university working to model something we do speaks volumes about our campus, faculty, and students.”
A Signature Program with Global Impact
During a recent visit to PFW, DIU Chairman Sabur Khan, who also founded the university, praised the collaboration. “This will be one of the signature programs of our university. It will help students meet requirements for U.S. graduate programs,” Khan said. The visit followed Khan’s attendance at the Global Entrepreneurship Congress in Indianapolis with 20 DIU delegates.
PFW Honors Program: A Model of Excellence
With over 400 students enrolled, the PFW Honors Program offers a dynamic academic environment, selective admission based on academic achievement, and unique learning experiences. Highlights include small-group discussions, exclusive seminars, and access to speakers through the Omnibus Speaker Series.
Longstanding Ties with DIU
Professor Mustafa was honored by DIU in 2022 as “A True Friend of Daffodil International University.” DIU also named the Tazkera and Golam Mustafa Center for Teaching & Learning after his parents, inspired by PFW’s Center for the Enhancement of Learning and Teaching.
• 101 private universities lack VC, Pro-VC and Treasurer positions. • 15 private universities hold all three positions: Independent University, Bangladesh; International University of Business Agriculture and Technology; International Islamic University Chittagong; American International University-Bangladesh; East West University; University of Development Alternative; Southeast University; Daffodil International University; Stamford University Bangladesh; City University; Uttara University; Varendra University; Notre Dame University Bangladesh; Canadian University of Bangladesh and University of Global Village.
Undergraduate Admission Requirements for Independent University, Bangladesh (IUB):
🎓 About IUB
Established in 1993
Known for academic excellence, dynamic campus life, and high employability of graduates
Offers strong student support through clubs, sports, research, accommodation, scholarships, and career services
📋 General Admission Requirements
🔹 SSC & HSC (or equivalent)
Total GPA: Minimum aggregate GPA of 7.0
Minimum GPA in each exam: 3.0
🔹 O Level & A Level
O Level: 5 subjects with min GPA 2.5
A Level: 2 subjects with min GPA 2.0
🔹 International Qualifications
Accepted: International Baccalaureate, US High School Diploma, or 12-year equivalent degrees
Equivalence certificate from Ministry of Education required
🔬 Subject-Specific Requirements
Program
Requirements
Engineering
O Level & HSC: Math and Physics (Grade B in HSC)
Microbiology, Biochemistry, Biotechnology
Biology (min Grade B in O-Level or HSC)
Environmental Science
Chemistry/Physics preferred (O-Level or HSC)
Pharmacy
– SSC & HSC: Aggregate GPA ≥ 8.00 (Min GPA 3.5 in each) – Chemistry & Biology: GPA ≥ 4.00 (5-point scale) – Math & Physics: GPA ≥ 3.5 – O/A-Level: B in Chemistry/Biology, C in Math/Physics – Missing Math? Must take a 3-credit Math course later
The vTutor MOS Bangladesh Championship 2025 – National Round was successfully held on Friday, May 23, 2025, at American International University-Bangladesh (AIUB). Organized in collaboration with the AIUB Computer Club, the event brought together top students aged 13 to 22 from educational institutions all over Bangladesh.
This highly anticipated national-level competition tested participants’ skills in Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, and Microsoft PowerPoint, aligning with global MOS (Microsoft Office Specialist) standards. Following rigorous university-level qualifiers, the national round surpassed all expectations in both intensity and participation.
The event kicked off at 9:00 AM with an inspirational opening and general briefing by Kazi Shamim, Co-Founder & Chief Learning Officer of vTutor. His message set a positive tone for the day, encouraging students to excel.
Participants were then assigned to their specific exam rooms across three separate exam slots, designed to efficiently manage the competition flow.
By 5:00 PM, the competition concluded, celebrating a full day of digital skill-building, learning, and recognition. The vTutor MOS Bangladesh Championship 2025 not only served as a platform for young talents to shine but also marked a significant step toward digital empowerment in Bangladesh.
Independent University, Bangladesh and Chittagong Independent University trust member, S M Al-Husainy
S M Al-Husainy founder trustee of Independent University, Bangladesh (IUB) passed away on May 28, 2025, at the age of 94. He breathed his last while undergoing treatment at the National Heart Foundation Hospital and Research Institute in Mirpur, Dhaka.
Born in 1930, Al-Husainy was a visionary leader whose contributions were instrumental in shaping higher education in Bangladesh. As a key member of the Education, Science, Technology and Cultural Development Trust (ESTCDT), he played a central role in the establishment of IUB. He served as Chairman of the university’s former governing council and later as a member of its board of trustees. He also held the position of Chairman of the board of trustees at Chittagong Independent University (CIU).
Al-Husainy’s distinguished career in public service included serving as secretary to the government in several ministries, a member of the Planning Commission and chairman of the Bangladesh Public Service Commission. His contributions to national development spanned decades and disciplines.
He also held prominent leadership roles in a number of national organizations. He was chairman of Micro Industries Development Assistance and Services (MIDAS), chairman of Swanirvar Bangladesh and director of Micro Industries Finance Ltd. Additionally, he served as Chairman of the Bangladesh Chapter of the Society for International Development (SID), Vice President of the National Heart Foundation and a Member of the Executive Committee of Dhaka Ahsania Mission.
A committed advocate for policy dialogue and professional excellence, Al-Husainy was a Fellow of the Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD) and a former President of the Institution of Engineers, Bangladesh (IEB), where he served for three years.
IUB community – including members of the board of trust, ESTCDT, faculty, administration, students and alumni – mourns the loss of a revered mentor and extends its heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family. We pray for the eternal peace of his departed soul.
Bachelor of Pharmacy (BPharm) (Honours) – 4-Year Degree Program Department of Pharmacy, Independent University, Bangladesh (IUB)
The Bachelor of Pharmacy (BPharm) is a comprehensive 4-year Honours degree program comprising 170 credits, offered by the Department of Pharmacy at IUB. The curriculum is designed to provide students with in-depth knowledge and practical experience across a wide range of pharmaceutical disciplines.
Students engage in intensive studies covering areas such as:
In addition to core and specialized pharmacy courses, students are also required to complete various Foundation courses mandated by the University to ensure a well-rounded academic experience.
Academic Structure: The program follows a bi-semester academic calendar:
Spring Semester: January – June
Autumn Semester: July – December
Each semester spans six months and includes classroom lectures, laboratory sessions, continuous assessments, and final examinations.
The BPharm curriculum is fully approved by both the University Grants Commission (UGC) and the Pharmacy Council of Bangladesh (PCB), ensuring compliance with national standards for pharmaceutical education and professional accreditation.
Professor Dr. Hasan Mahmud Reza, a renowned researcher and professor in the Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences at North South University (NSU), has been awarded the Bangladesh Academy of Sciences (BAS) Gold Medal 2024 for his outstanding contributions to biology education and biomedical research in Bangladesh.
The announcement was officially confirmed by Dr. Reza and detailed in a release signed by Professor Dr. Hasina Khan, General Secretary of the Bangladesh Academy of Sciences.
28 Years of Excellence in Scientific Research
Dr. Reza has dedicated nearly three decades to advancing biomedical science and education. He has published 144 peer-reviewed research papers in high-impact international journals such as:
The Lancet
British Medical Journal (BMJ)
Science
Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA)
Scientific Reports
PLOS One
Antioxidants
Biomedicine and Pharmacotherapy
Leading Research in Multiple Disciplines
His pioneering research areas include:
Embryonic development of the eye
Adult stem cell biology and tissue engineering
Pharmacology of natural products
Neuroscience and public health
Antimicrobial resistance
Pharmaceutical technology
Dr. Reza has been an invited keynote speaker at international conferences across the USA, Australia, Japan, Singapore, and Bangladesh, showcasing Bangladesh’s growing presence in global pharmaceutical and life sciences research.
Contributions to National and Global Health Science
He was instrumental in the development of the National Guidelines for Regulatory Approvals of Stem Cells and Cell-Based Products (2020), helping shape ethical and scientific standards in regenerative medicine in Bangladesh.
Academic Background and Global Collaborations
Dr. Reza earned his PhD in biology from Japan’s prestigious Nara Institute of Science and Technology (NAIST) under the Monbusho Scholarship. He served as an assistant professor at NAIST and currently works as a research scientist at the Singapore Eye Research Institute, affiliated with the National University of Singapore (NUS).
He maintains active research collaborations with leading global institutions including:
Yale University
Sam Houston State University
University of Nottingham
Royal Holloway, University of London
NAIST (Japan)
Various Bangladeshi universities
Awards, Supervision, and Leadership at NSU
Dr. Reza has previously received:
NSU Research Excellence Award (2022)
Best Researcher Award (2021)
Dean’s Award (2016)
He has supervised over 60 master’s theses and 170 undergraduate research projects, fostering the next generation of pharmaceutical scientists in Bangladesh.
Dr. Reza has also served as Chairman of the Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Dean of the School of Health and Life Sciences at NSU. He is an active member of more than 10 professional organizations, including the Pharmacy Council of Bangladesh (PCB).
Missouri S&T Mars Rover Team Wins 2025 University Rover Challenge
The Mars Rover Design Team from Missouri University of Science and Technology (Missouri S&T) has claimed first place at the prestigious 2025 University Rover Challenge (URC) — an annual international robotics competition held at the Mars Desert Research Station in Hanksville, Utah.
The competition challenged teams from around the globe to design and build advanced Mars rovers capable of completing simulated planetary tasks. Missouri S&T’s rover, named Talos, performed exceptionally across a series of four field missions and a comprehensive design review.
🚀 Outstanding Performance Across Missions
Talos was tested in realistic Martian terrain conditions — including soft sand, rocky landscapes, vertical drops, and steep inclines — while also being evaluated for its autonomous navigation capabilities.
Missouri S&T’s team earned top placements in multiple categories:
🥇 1st place – System Acceptance Review (written and video design submission)
🥇 1st place – Equipment Servicing Mission (30+ points ahead of 2nd place)
🥈 2nd place – Delivery Mission
🥉 Tied for 3rd – Science Mission
🤖 Tied for 4th – Autonomous Navigation Mission
A video highlighting Talos’s design and features is available on YouTube.
🌍 A Global Competition
Missouri S&T competed against 38 teams representing countries including: Australia, Bangladesh, Canada, Colombia, India, Japan, Mexico, Poland, Türkiye, and multiple U.S. universities.
👩💻 Meet the Missouri S&T Mars Rover Team
The following students represented Missouri S&T at the competition:
Alex Adams – Sophomore, Mechanical Engineering (Knob Noster, MO)
Lauren Booth – Junior, Geology & Geophysics (New London, MO)
Will Weidler – B.S., Computer Science (St. Louis, MO)
🎓 About Missouri S&T
Missouri University of Science and Technology is a STEM-focused research university in Rolla, Missouri, serving over 7,000 students. As part of the University of Missouri System, Missouri S&T offers 100+ degree programs in 40 areas and consistently ranks among the top U.S. public universities for career earnings potential (Wall Street Journal).
Study in Missouri from Bangladesh: Missouri University of Science and Technology (Missouri S&T)
Missouri University of Science and Technology (Missouri S&T) offers a comprehensive admissions process for international students seeking undergraduate or graduate studies on campus in Rolla, Missouri. Here’s a detailed overview to guide you through the application process:
🌍 Who Qualifies as an International Student?
You are considered an international applicant if you:
Are not a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.
Plan to attend classes on campus at Missouri S&T.
Are applying as a first-time freshman, transfer student, or graduate student.
📚 Admission Requirements
First-Time Freshmen
To apply as an international first-time freshman, you should:
Have completed secondary school (equivalent to U.S. high school).
Not have enrolled in or received credit from a post-secondary institution.
Demonstrate English language proficiency through one of the following:
If you do not meet these scores, you may be eligible for the Pathway Program, which allows you to take academic classes while improving your English skills.
Transfer Students
For international transfer applicants:
You must have completed some post-secondary coursework but not a bachelor’s degree.
The last 60 credits of your bachelor’s degree must be completed at Missouri S&T.
English proficiency requirements are:
TOEFL: 79
IELTS: 6.0
PTE: 53
Completion of a recognized U.S.-based ESL program
Graduate Students
Graduate applicants should:
Hold a bachelor’s degree or equivalent from an accredited institution.
Submit official transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate institutions attended.
Provide standardized test scores (GRE or GMAT) if required by the program.
Demonstrate English proficiency (specific scores may vary by program).
Pay a non-refundable application fee of $55.
🗓️ Application Deadlines
Missouri S&T operates on a rolling admissions basis, but it’s recommended to apply by the following dates for optimal consideration:
