Dhaka: Education Minister Dr. A N M Ehsanul Hoque Milon has mandated a revision of the Development Project Proposal (DPP) for the ongoing Higher Education Acceleration and Transformation (HEAT) project, urging the inclusion of the government’s current priorities to enhance the quality of higher education. He issued this directive while speaking as the chief guest at a workshop on the mid-term review of the HEAT project held at the UGC building.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, University Grants Commission (UGC) Chairman Professor Dr. Mamun Ahmed presided over the workshop. During his address, the minister emphasized the need to revise certain project components that are no longer relevant in the present global and domestic context. He underscored the urgency of updating the DPP to ensure it aligns with the government’s objectives for quality higher education.
Dr. Milon highlighted the importance of ensuring the proper and economical use of project funds. He expressed dissatisfaction with the project’s progress, noting that although only two years remain, only 5 percent of the project has been completed. The minister stressed the necessity of accelerating the pace of work to meet the December 2028 deadline, assuring that the ministry would provide full support.
He also referred to Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s directives to reduce expenditure in development projects and ensure cost rationality, emphasizing that the allocated funds for the HEAT project must be effectively utilized to foster genuine development in higher education.
Professor Mamun Ahmed, addressing the attendees, stated that despite the project’s delayed start, it remains on track to be completed on time by achieving specific targets. He explained that the HEAT project would facilitate opportunities to connect with international research standards, prioritizing joint research and strengthening connections between universities, industries, and business institutions.
The event also featured speeches from Ministry of Education’s Additional Secretary Dr. Sardar Md. Keramat Ali and Senior Education Specialist and Task Team Leader of the World Bank T M Asaduzzaman as special guests. Professor Dr. Asaduzzaman, Director of the HEAT project, delivered the welcome address. Senior officials from the UGC and various universities were in attendance.