Post doctorate degrees (PhD) are being sold in the country by unscrupulous people involved with certain educational institutions at a cost of Tk. 4,30,000- 7,00,000, severely affecting higher education. The Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) has already identified an organisation called the Study World International and Sheds University College that has provided fake PhD degrees to over 200 people in the country so far. Talking to this correspondent over the phone, a female employee of the Study World International and Sheds University College located in Navana Rahim Arcade in Kakraile, Dhaka, informed that they are providing PhD degrees to interested students from three internationals universities – the American World University, the American Independent University and the Commonwealth University. “Please come to our office to talk to our senior officials to get a PhD degree. We are providing degrees from three international universities in the USA,” she said. When this correspondent went to the
organisation’s office, she advised to get a PhD degree from the Commonwealth University as this university is more prestigious then the other two. “You have to pay of Tk. 7,00,000 for getting the degree from the Commonwealth University, Tk. 5,50,000 for the American Independent University and Tk. 4,30,000 from the American World University,” she informed.
Principal, Md Selim Bhuiya, Chairman of Shikkhak-Karmachari Oikya Jote is the owner of the World International and Sheds University College, is now in jail for providing fake PhD degrees. But the concerned authorities have failed to stop the activities of the World International and Sheds University College.
Professor Abdul Mannan, Chairman of the UGC, told The Independent that Selim Bhuiyan has opened a “PhD
generating industry” without permission of the UGC and he cannot do it.
“We got instructions from the government to investigate the activities of the World International and Sheds University College and an inquiry committee has been formed to look into the matter,” he Mannan.
Prof. (Dr) Mohammad Mohabbat Khan, Member of the UGC, told this correspondent that he has initiated an investigation against the World International and Sheds University College for granting PhD degrees after receiving instructions from the PMO.
“So far, I know a number of people working in the police, private banks, insurance companies and private universities, who have got fake PhD degrees from such dubious educational institutions,” he claimed.
He also said, “I know very well that some people, who got PhD degrees though these institutions have passed only Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) exams, which is unfortunate for the nation.”
Dr Khan has also advised the government to undertake a countrywide investigation to unearth the extent of the fake PhD racket. At the same time, the UGC member also suggested to the government to set up a Higher Education Commission, like in the developed countries, to monitor higher education.  “We have no enforcement powers to stop such problems. That’s why the government should strengthen the UGC more and allow it to take action independently,” he added.
On November 12, 2014, Professor ANM Meshquat Uddin, Pro-Vice Chancellor of the North South University (NSU) was suspended for holding fake PhD degrees. The PhD degree mentioned in the Curriculum Vitae of Meshquat, who taught at the University of Dhaka as lecturer of management, turned out to be fake, when he submitted it to the university following his appointment.
Sources in the UGC said no private organisation can issue PhD degrees to students. Only public universities are entitled to award the highest degree. A PhD is globally recognised as a post doctorate academic degree after completing post graduation. It’s awarded by universities and higher education institutions to candidates, who have submitted a thesis or dissertation based on extensive and original research in their chosen field.