The government permitted the universities to accommodate increased number of students and develop a quality education system, but the entrepreneurs could not meet the demand, he said at the launching ceremony of University of Liberal Arts Bangladesh (ULAB) at a city hotel.

Now the government has become strict in approving private universities, he said, adding that however, if any entrepreneur comes up with the vision of imparting standard education, the government will welcome them.

Health Minister Dr Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain said the private universities also do not follow the guidelines properly.

They do not have own campuses and most of them start functioning with only two subjects, he added.

The minister also said these institutions mainly depend on part-time teachers.

Only a few, out of 52 private universities, maintain a minimum standard of education, he said.

However, both of them appreciated the University of Liberal Arts Bangladesh, saying that this is the only university that started the academic session on its own campus from the very beginning.

Prof Rafiqul Islam, pro-vice chancellor of ULAB, said the university aimed to impart indigenous knowledge in global context to prepare the students to face the challenges of globalisation.

The institution will give special emphasis on basic research and publications, he added.

Vice Chancellor Kazi Shahid Ahmed said three more campuses of the university are under construction in Savar, Rayerbazar and Panchagrah.

The university awarded more than 100 students who secured GPA-5 in HSC examination this year.