Dhaka:The University Grants Commission (UGC) is preparing to launch a dedicated satellite television channel aimed at improving access to higher education throughout Bangladesh, addressing the disparities in educational opportunities across the country.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, this initiative was unveiled by UGC Chairman Professor Dr. Mamun Ahmed during a discussion on the 34th founding anniversary of Bangladesh Open University (BOU). The commission is considering a pilot program leveraging the existing technological infrastructure of BOU to initiate this project.
Professor Mamun highlighted the existing disparities in educational opportunities and academic activities between universities located in urban centers and those in more remote regions. The proposed television channel seeks to bridge this gap by enhancing communication between teachers and students across various institutions. He also announced plans to integrate approximately 180 public and private universities into a digital network over the next two years, which will include high-speed internet connectivity and digital classrooms.
The network is expected to promote academic exchanges, joint research, and institutional cooperation, and will facilitate connections between Bangladeshi teachers and researchers at foreign universities and local institutions. Professor Mamun emphasized the significance of providing quality, technology-driven, and skills-based education in the face of challenges posed by artificial intelligence, data science, and online technologies.
He noted that BOU’s teaching methods and infrastructure require modernization to keep pace with technological advancements, allowing education to reach underserved groups across the nation. BOU, which currently has around 300,000 students, could see increased enrollment through improved quality and skills-based education.
The event was attended by Education and Primary and Mass Education Minister Dr. A N M Ehsanul Haque Milon, former Dhaka University Vice-Chancellor Professor Emeritus Dr. Anwarullah Chowdhury, and BOU Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. Md Siddiqur Rahman Khan, among other educational leaders.