The Association of Private Universities of Bangladesh (APUB) has called for strict action against organised groups involved in producing, selling and using forged academic certificates and other documents in the names of private universities.
In a press release yesterday, the association urged the home ministry to conduct intelligence-led regular drives against the rackets through the Detective Branch, Criminal Investigation Department and other law enforcement agencies.
It called for stringent action against those who forge documents, act as intermediaries, or run networks involved in the sale and distribution of such forged documents.
APUB also sought digital surveillance and action by cybercrime agencies against websites, social media advertisements, fraudulent verification portals and digital payment channels used to promote and sell fake academic credentials.
Citing media reports and information from universities and other institutions, APUB said certificate fraud threatened the credibility of higher education, merit-based recruitment and international recognition of Bangladeshi qualifications.
Such activities could harm legitimate private universities by raising suspicion about their graduates and undermining the confidence of employers, recruitment agencies and educational institutions at home and abroad, it said.
Any university, faculty member, officer, employee or technical service provider found to be involved should face legal action following an impartial investigation, it also said.
APUB also proposed a coordination mechanism led by the home ministry, with the education ministry, University Grants Commission, universities and law enforcement agencies to address the problem, adding that it was willing to cooperate with the authorities.