Dhaka, June 17 (V7N) - Brac University has made history by becoming the first private university in Bangladesh to launch a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) program, marking a significant milestone in the country’s higher education landscape. The program was officially inaugurated on Monday evening at the university’s permanent campus in Merul Badda, Dhaka, through a collaborative initiative with a UK-based institution.

According to sources from the University Grants Commission (UGC) and Brac University, the program is being introduced in partnership with the University of London’s School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS), a prestigious institution renowned for its global research focus.

Inaugural Ceremony and High-Level Participation

The launch event was attended by senior officials from both the UGC and Brac University. The collaboration with SOAS underscores a growing emphasis on international academic partnerships to enhance research capacity and maintain global standards in doctoral education.

Speaking on the occasion, representatives from the UGC acknowledged the long-standing demand to introduce PhD programs in private universities. However, concerns regarding institutional capacity, faculty expertise, and quality assurance had delayed formal approvals until now.

A Turning Point for Private Higher Education

For years, private universities in Bangladesh have pushed for the authority to offer PhD programs, arguing that many of them have developed the infrastructure and academic rigor necessary for advanced research. With Brac University now leading the way, this move could pave the path for other qualified private institutions to follow suit.

UGC officials emphasized that the program’s approval followed rigorous assessment criteria, ensuring it meets both local and international academic standards. The Brac-SOAS partnership aims to promote cross-border research initiatives and foster global academic mobility.

Strategic Academic Collaboration

Under the new program, doctoral students will benefit from joint supervision, access to SOAS's extensive academic resources, and opportunities for international research exposure. It also reflects Brac University’s strategic ambition to emerge as a research-driven institution in South Asia.

As Bangladesh continues to evolve as a regional hub for education, experts say that private sector involvement in advanced research and higher education will be crucial to achieving national development goals.

END/RH/AJ/