Dhaka: Education Minister ANM Ehsanul Hoque Milon on Wednesday called upon the University Grants Commission of Bangladesh (UGC) to take effective steps to develop internationally competitive universities, stressing that quality higher education and research are key to transforming Bangladesh into a knowledge-based nation.
According to United News of Bangladesh, the minister emphasized that the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has consistently prioritized the education sector. He highlighted the contributions of former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia and former President Ziaur Rahman in improving educational standards and addressing teachers’ concerns. Inspired by their ideals, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has placed education at the top of the government’s priorities, Milon noted during a view-exchange meeting with the UGC chairman and members.
Milon outlined the need for expanding research activities, promoting innovation, and developing skilled human resources to meet global standards. He described the UGC as the central body of the country’s higher education system, emphasizing its crucial role in oversight, quality assurance, and implementation of development plans. With the rapid increase in the number of public and private universities, the responsibilities and scope of the commission have expanded significantly. Thus, the UGC must operate in a more dynamic, effective, and result-oriented manner.
Addressing the issue of declining global rankings of Bangladeshi universities, the minister identified it as a major challenge. He pointed out that despite being a nation of 180 million people, Bangladesh lacks a single university that meets international benchmarks. Establishing a world-class postgraduate university and forming an effective research council to promote advanced research should be top priorities, according to Milon.
The minister also stressed the importance of implementing a ‘reverse brain drain’ initiative to bring back talented Bangladeshi academics and researchers working abroad, engaging them in the country’s education and research sectors. He urged UGC members and officials to adopt innovative and practical plans, set clear visions and missions, and take concrete steps to improve higher education outcomes.
Milon requested the commission to submit a brief written report outlining its ongoing activities and future plans to help review progress and challenges in the higher education sector and take necessary measures.
During the meeting, UGC Chairman SMA Faiz and commission members discussed various aspects, challenges, and prospects of the higher education sector, informing the adviser about steps taken to enhance academic standards. Milon underscored the need for coordinated efforts by the UGC and all stakeholders to strengthen the country’s higher education system and elevate it to international standards.