Staff Correspondent

The University Grants Commission (UGC) is going to introduce service rules to protect the rights of teachers and staff in all private universities and prevent their arbitrary dismissal.

In an interview with UNB, UGC member Professor Dr Mohammad Anwar Hossain, who oversees private universities, said the commission is taking steps to ensure that every private university formulates and enforces a clear set of service rules.

“Teachers in private universities often raise their voices or express justified concerns. But when authorities are displeased they may terminate them without proper cause. This also happens to staff and officers,” Prof Anwar said.To end such practices, every university must have a service rule in place, he said.“All appointments and disciplinary actions must follow these rules. This will be a significant step toward ensuring job security for teachers and staff,” Prof Anwar added.The UGC member said the commission is taking the matter seriously and has already issued letters to all private universities, instructing them to prepare or update their service rules within the next two weeks.From outsourced staff to professors, appointments must align with the service rule framework to protect the employees, he said.“Even if someone is to be dismissed under the service rule, they must be given time, show-cause notices, and warnings in advance. Their rights must be protected,” Prof Anwar noted.He further pointed out that service rules will also help bring structure to salary systems which are currently irregular and often fall short of minimum standards. “We will review the salary structure periodically,” he said.There are currently 117 private universities in the country, and each must have its own service rule, the UGC member added.According to UGC sources, the absence of clear and enforceable service rules has led to a range of institutional challenges in private universities including arbitrary dismissals, lack of due process in promotions and disciplinary measures and unregulated leave policies.Teachers often face restrictions in expressing independent opinions, conducting research, or engaging in critical discussions.Many have been dismissed without prior notice or explanation, leaving them with no scope to appeal or defend themselves.In some cases, teachers are pressured to follow management’s directives or risk harassment and they are often burdened with excessive teaching loads or administrative responsibilities.Many teachers and staff members do not receive minimum wages, and salary structures are often inconsistent, the UGC sources said.Annual increments and leave entitlements are difficult to obtain and promotions frequently disregard seniority, qualifications and research contributions.