Science and technology universities were established in the country with the idea of producing specialised graduates in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), but, moving away from that goal, subjects like humanities, sociology and business education are being taught in these universities.

Every year, half of the students entering these universities are studying subjects other than STEM. To curb this trend, the Ministry of Education has recently sent instructions to all universities, which may lead to the cessation of teaching subjects like Bengali, English, Law and BBA at the specialised universities.

Educationists say that if all subjects are taught in this way, the purpose of the specialised university will not be successful. For the development of the science and technology sector in the country, emphasis must be placed on higher education in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

They also said there should be some arts, humanities and business education subjects that support the specialised curricula, but its importance should not be more than the main subject in any way. However, recently such a focus has not been maintained. By doing this, the name of the University of Science and Technology is being done injustice by moving away from the main purpose. As a result, the UGC should play a more responsible role in approving the departments.

According to the admission notification for the academic year 2024-25, there are a total of 9,529 seats in 14 science and technology universities in the next academic year. Of these, 4,229 seats are in subjects under the faculties of arts, humanities and business. In some big universities, there are more students from non-science.

According to the admission notice, there are 985 seats in Shahjalal University of Science and Technology for the next academic year, of which 581 are in the faculties of humanities

and commerce. Besides, out of the 1,795 seats in Haji Danesh University of Science and Technology, 1,055 are for non-STEM subjects.

Meanwhile 870 out of 1,505 seats in Gopalganj University of Science and Technology, and 751 out of 1,564 seats in Noakhali University of Science and Technology, are non-STEMs.
According to the University Grants Commission (UGC) data, there are currently 55 government and 116 approved private universities in the country, including 14 science and technology universities. Besides, there are 4 engineering universities.

According to UGC information, the country’s first science and technology university is Shahjalal University of Science and Technology in Sylhet. The university has 27 departments under seven faculties, and two institutes. Among these, apart from science, there are 10 departments related to arts and humanities, social sciences and business education.
Dinajpur’s Hajee Mohammad Danesh University of Science and Technology, established with emphasis on agricultural education, has not been able to maintain its focus. Among the nine faculties, two are outside of agriculture and science. The university also teaches English, sociology, economics, management, marketing, accounting, finance and banking. There are a total of 45 departments.

Mawlana Bhashani Science and Technology University in Tangail has 19 departments under six faculties. Three of the six faculties are non-STEM.

Patuakhali Science and Technology University also has 58 departments under eight faculties, seven of which are in non-science subjects.
Noakhali Science and Technology University has 31 departments under seven faculties, 12 of which are in non-science subjects.

There are allegations that a major reason behind opening departments in non-science subjects in specialised universities is the appointment of teachers, officers and employees. The relatives of the vice chancellors, pro-vice chancellors and registrars who were in charge at the time of establishment of the institutions get priority in the appointment process. As a result, they manage the UGC and open more departments. Moreover, some UGC officials also have vested interests in such malpractices.

Realising this issue, the Ministry of Education sent a letter to the institutions on 13 March to stop teaching general subjects other than specialised subjects in the country’s government science and technology universities. The letter was issued by ASM Kashem, senior assistant secretary of the Secondary and Higher Education Department (Science and Technology Universities).

The letter states that specialised universities are allowed to conduct education and research programs in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) related subjects. However, it has recently been observed that similar education programmes are being conducted in science and technology universities located in nearby areas. In addition, some science and technology universities are also conducting education programmes in subjects that are not in line with their specialised nature.

Mawlana Bhashani Science and Technology University Vice Chancellor Professor Anwarul Azim Akhand told the Daily Sun, “We received a letter from the Ministry of Education a few days ago. It has asked us to think anew about general subjects outside of specialised subjects. We will discuss the matter in the Academic Council and take the next decision.”

UGC Chairman Prof SMA Faiz told the Daily Sun, “Such instructions have been given to further increase the importance of specialised subjects. However, social science or business subjects cannot be stopped indiscriminately. Sometimes, external subjects have to be taught to support science subjects. Therefore, it is okay to open external departments for this purpose. But the current trend is that the importance of general subjects is increasing without giving importance to specialised subjects. We will review the matter further. If there is any error by the UGC in approving the subjects here, we will also review it.”

 In this regard, Mohammad Kaikobad, a former teacher at BUET and distinguished professor at BRAC University, told the Daily Sun, “Science and technology universities have been established in the country with the aim of improving science and technology in the country. So, these universities must give importance to science and technology. But recently, these universities have moved away from that position a lot.

“This should be controlled now. However, the non-STEM departments already opened at these universities cannot be closed suddenly. But, they can be controlled, and the UGC should also take care that these departments cannot be opened again.”