Public universities in Bangladesh are increasingly awarding PhD degrees. Private universities now want permission from the University Grants Commission (UGC) to offer PhD degrees too. A PhD is the highest degree given by universities and requires strict standards to ensure quality.
It is essential to consider this issue carefully and maintain international standards. PhD studies are important for training future researchers. They help create new knowledge and advance technology. Allowing private universities to offer PhD degrees can help meet the demand for high-quality researchers.
However, it is crucial to ensure that all universities meet certain criteria. They must have experienced supervisors, adequate resources, and a strong research culture. A PhD degree should only be awarded if the student publishes at least three research articles in reputable journals.
Dr. Shahjahan Khan, a professor with experience in universities around the world, believes that many private universities in Bangladesh are already doing good research. He suggests that both public and private universities should be treated equally if they maintain high standards.
The UGC should regulate the approval of PhD programs. They should ensure that universities have qualified supervisors, necessary resources, and a good research reputation. Only accredited experts should be allowed to supervise PhD students.
Maintaining high standards in PhD programs will improve the global ranking of Bangladeshi universities. It will also help train future generations of researchers to contribute to the nation's development.
