Private Universities can offer joint PhD degrees with Malaysian Counterparts

The meeting held at UGC on 25 May 2023

University Grants Commission of Bangladesh (UGC) Member Professor Dr. Biswajit Chanda remarked that the private universities in Bangladesh having permanent certificate can offer PhD degrees jointly with top universities in Malaysia. He made the remark at a meeting held at UGC on 25 May 2023 with a four-member delegation from Education Malaysia Global Services (EMGS). Dr. Abdur Razzaq, Chairman of EMGS and the special envoy of the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Malaysia led the delegation. Professor Dr. Biswajit Chanda said that currently private universities do not have the approval to grant PhD degrees. But they are interested in carrying out research works like public universities. The top private universities having permanent certificates may offer joint PhD degrees with Malaysian universities subject to conditions.

He expressed optimism that research opportunities will be created through this initiative. He expressed his interest in signing an agreement with the Malaysian government on the awarding of joint PhD degrees. He urged the delegation to ensure suitable environment for higher education of Bangladeshi students studying in Malaysia and create job opportunities along with studies. Bangladeshi students and other citizens studying in Malaysia should be treated with dignity. Dr. Abdur Razzaq said, Malaysia is trying to promote international standards of higher education. Malaysia has branch campuses of several top-ranking public, private and international university. To maintain the quality of higher education, Malaysia has taken the initiative of offering joint PhD degree along with simplifying the visa process and talent hunt. UGC Secretary Dr. Ferdous Zaman and Director of Research Support and Publication Division Dr. Md. Fakhrul Islam and relevant officials were present at the meeting.