The University Grants Commission (UGC) has recommended establishing new public universities in Rajbari, Bhola, Joypurhat, Cox’s Bazar, Narail and Barguna.
The recommendation has been made considering different aspects, including distance from nearby universities, population and geographical location, according to a release issued by the UGC.
The UGC also opined that Mymensingh, Rangpur and Gaibandha districts do not need universities for now.
In Rajbari district, the commission has recommended setting up a general university as there are universities in Pabna and Kushtia but they are far from the district.
In Bhola, there will be a university which will give emphasis to teaching ichthyology and fisheries science, disaster science and oceanography as those subjects are related to its geographic location as the largest island of Bangladesh. The district does not have smooth communication with nearby districts.
A general university will be set up in Joypurhat district which will mainly teach agriculture, geology and mining. Joypurhat was an area under the Pala Empire & Sena dynasty for a long period. Till the 16th and 17th centuries, there was no clear information about Joypurhat's history. It is also famous for its coal (bituminous) and cement. Joypurhat's economy is mainly based on seasonal crops like rice, potato, wheat, onion, mango, jackfruit and banana.
A public university will be established in Cox’s Bazar district that will prominently teach tourism, hospitality management, ichthyology and fisheries science, disaster science and oceanography. It has one of world's longest beaches and is a major tourist destination in Bangladesh.
The UGC has recommended setting up a general university in Narail district. The university will focus on fine arts as SM Sultan, the Bengali avant-garde artist who worked with painting and drawing, was born in the district.
Besides, a university will be built in Barguna district that does not have any public university so far. According to the district’s geographic position, it will give emphasis to subjects like ichthyology and fisheries science, disaster science, oceanography, climate-resilient agriculture and subjects related to extraction of natural resources.
Barguna's economy is primarily dependent on agriculture. Principal crops include rice and pulses. Being a coastal district, Barguna has a thriving fishing industry.
