Dhaka: University Grants Commission (UGC) Chairman Professor Dr Mamun Ahmed has called for ensuring the highest level of transparency, accountability, and good governance in the use of funds allocated to public universities. 'The government is ready to provide funding to improve the quality of higher education, develop students as skilled human resources, and make them employable according to international standards. In the future, universities will require more funds, combining both the revenue and development budgets. However, in allocating funds and new manpower according to demand, it is essential to consider the actual need for the relevant area and the capacity to implement it,' he said.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Dr Mamun made the remarks as the chief guest at the inaugural session of a day-long workshop titled 'Budget Formulation and Implementation of Public Universities' held at the UGC Auditorium. On maintaining the institutional status and autonomy of universities, Dr Mamun stated that although universities are operated with government funding, they conduct their academic activities autonomously. He warned that no form of opacity in expenditure would be acceptable.
In his address as the chair of the workshop, UGC Member Professor Dr Md Aslam Hossain emphasized that the best possible use of allocated funds must be ensured through proper planning and efficient management to implement the government's commitment to advancing higher education. UGC members Professor Dr Abdullah-Al-Mamun, Professor Md Mehedi Hasan Khan, and Professor Dr Niaz Ahmed Chowdhury addressed the event as special guests. UGC Secretary Dr Md Fakhrul Islam delivered the welcome address.
The day-long workshop, moderated by Md Hafizur Rahman, Deputy Director of the UGC Finance, Accounts and Budget Department, was attended by registrars, directors of finance and accounts departments, and other relevant senior officials from 29 public universities across the country.