No action yet against fraudulent institution

by Special Correspondent
June 15, 2011

http://www.weeklyblitz.net/1513/no-action-yet-against-fraudulent-institution

Despite publication of a number of investigative reports on the illegal activities of a so-called university in Bangladesh, authorities are visibly reluctant in taking any action, for reason unknown.

The story in brief is, Pearl Fashion Institute [PFI], an affiliate concern of Pearl Fashion Academy – India has been operating in Bangladesh for many years offering post graduate degrees under Nottingham Trent University, UK in textile technology. But, according to findings, PFI does not have any permission from the Ministry of Education, which is mandatory for any college or university or campus of any foreign university. On the other hand, a large number of foreign nationals are working at Pearl Fashion Institute without any work permit to work as teacher in Bangladesh. There is even question about the academic qualification of number teachers at Pearl Fashion Institute.

On condition of anonymity, an official with ministry of education told Weekly Blitz that, several complaints have already reached the ministry regarding Pearl Fashion Institute. The ministry is currently investigating the matter. The source said, a number of fake institutions are already operating in Bangladesh without any legality and are continuing to cheat local students in the name of selling various degrees. It said, Bangladesh government is always vigilant about such degree mills, which are accused of numerous forms of fraudulent activities.

It may be mentioned here that, degree mills are active in various parts of the world, which sells degrees to people simply against certain amount of money. Some of the fake universities in the world, such as The International University [TIU] are even selling PhD degrees to people. In Bangladesh too, a large number of people, including few in government services were caught with fake PhD, MBA etc certificates, which were issued by the degree mills. Some of the officials with such fake certificates were later terminated from the jobs.

Pearl Fashion Institute is similar type of fake institution, which is selling degrees to locals against handsome amount of money. Innocent young people are getting admitted with PFI with the hope of getting their graduation degrees from Nottingham Trent University. But, in reality, they too are now unsure, as to whether, such certificates or degrees will be of any use to them in their life.

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