The private university wing of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party’s student organization held a celebratory rally in Dhaka on Friday, thanking Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman for reducing the VAT rate on private universities, introducing free study opportunities for poor meritorious students, and initiating third-language education. The rally began in front of Prime Asia University on Kamal Ataturk Avenue and concluded after marching through Banani’s main roads.

Central Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal President Md. Rakibul Islam Rakib attended as chief guest, praising the historic role of private university students in national movements. The organization’s president Md. Abu Horaira and general secretary M. Rajibul Islam Talukder (Bindu) led the march, joined by leaders and students from around 50 to 52 private universities in Dhaka.

Speakers described the VAT reduction from 10% to 5% and new education initiatives as transformative for higher education, making it more inclusive and globally competitive. They also demanded the establishment of student unions in all private universities across the country.