No scope for postponement of directives

The University Grants Commission yesterday said it would not accept the private universities' request to postpone its decisions on stopping awarding grades to students without holding semester finals, enrolling new students without admission tests, and holding tests online.

In a letter to UGC Chairman Prof Kazi Shahidullah on Thursday, APUB Chairman Sheikh Kabir Hossain said they were requesting the UGC to postpone its decisions until holding a discussion with Association of Private Universities of Bangladesh (APUB).

Speaking to The Daily Star, Prof Shahidullah yesterday said, "There is no scope for postponement of such decisions. The situation has not improved since we issued the directive [April 6]. Rather, it has deteriorated."

He said they were readying an answer to the APUB letter. "I discussed the issue with the others UGC members. We all agreed that there is no change in the situation and there is no scope for postponing the decisions. We stand by our earlier decisions. We hope that all private universities will abide by those."

The UGC chief said they would consider reviewing the decisions if the situation improved.

Shahidullah said private universities can complete classes online, but they have to take exams only after return of normalcy. "Students should not think about exams in this dangerous situation. Also, not all students have internet connections."

Meanwhile, the UGC in a statement yesterday said their April 6 directive would remain in force until further notice. The commission will issue its next directive regarding the matter after the situation improves.