The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has launched investigations into massive financial irregularities at several private universities in Bangladesh, including Shanto-Mariam University and Northern University. Allegations involve misappropriations worth Tk 4.5 billion and Tk 5 billion respectively, with broader probes into other institutions underway.
At Shanto-Mariam University, the ACC is examining claims that Tk 3.43 billion was unlawfully transferred from university funds to the Shanto-Mariam Foundation, along with tax evasion amounting to Tk 102 billion. At Northern University, the investigation targets Trustee Board Chairman Abu Yusuf Md. Abdullah and his family for allegedly amassing Tk 5.5 billion in illicit assets and laundering money abroad. A court has barred Abdullah from leaving the country.
The probe coincides with a wave of unrest across private universities, driven by administrative disputes, student grievances, and allegations of corruption. At Northern University, infighting between former and current trustees has paralyzed operations. Former trustees claim they were forced to resign under threat, while the current board accuses them of trying to exploit political unrest to seize control.
Meanwhile, German University Bangladesh has abruptly shut down, prompting student protests over a lack of leadership, poor academic quality, and inadequate facilities. The acting vice-chancellor reportedly fled the campus after students issued a six-point demand.
At United International University (UIU), prolonged student protests over harsh academic policies and administrative mistreatment led to the mass resignation of top officials, including the VC and deans. The university has since closed indefinitely, affecting around 15,000 students. The board of trustees issued a letter inviting dissatisfied students to withdraw by May 26 for a full refund.
Protests have also flared at other institutions including BUFT, PrimeAsia University, Stamford University, and ULAB, with students demanding better infrastructure, fair governance, and improved academic services.
With corruption investigations intensifying and campus unrest spreading, the crisis in Bangladesh’s private higher education sector continues to deepen.
