UGC seeks another 5% VAT reduction for private universities
University Grants Commission (UGC) Chairman Professor Dr Mamun Ahmed has said the regulatory body is working to secure a further 5% reduction in VAT for private universities after the government recently lowered it by 5%.
He made the remarks as the chief guest at East West University's (EWU) Fall Semester 2026 Freshers' Reception Ceremony, held at the university's Aftabnagar campus in Dhaka on Thursday (10 September), according to a press release.
Professor Mamun Ahmed said the UGC treated public and private universities equally, with merit serving as the primary consideration when allocating funds for higher education and research.
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He congratulated EWU on its achievements over the past 30 years and encouraged newly admitted students to develop their skills and leadership qualities by actively participating in university clubs.
The programme also commemorated the life and works of Bangladesh's National Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam as part of the observance of "Nazrul Year".
Professor Dr Mohammed Farashuddin, Chairperson of the Board of Trustees of EWU and former Governor of Bangladesh Bank, presided over the ceremony.
He said EWU had largely realised the vision established 30 years ago of providing quality higher education to deserving students from lower-middle-income families.
Professor Farashuddin said the university reinvested all surplus funds generated in student development through various scholarship programmes.
Professor Dr Shams Rahman, Vice-Chancellor of EWU, said the university equipped its students with academic knowledge and contemporary skills, enabling them to pursue successful careers at home and abroad.
Professor Dr Anup Chowdhury, Dean of the Faculty of Business and Economics, also addressed the ceremony, along with a representative of the newly admitted students.
Following the discussions, a cultural programme celebrating Nazrul Year featured performances by the East West University Club for Performing Arts and renowned Nazrul Sangeet artist Khairul Anam Shakil.
Members of the EWU Board of Trustees, faculty members, officials, staff and newly admitted students attended the ceremony.
