# Milon Advocates Curriculum Reform and Quality Research to Transform Higher Education

*Education Minister Dr A N M Ehsanul Haque Milon emphasizes the need for curriculum reform and quality research to transform higher education in Bangladesh.*

August 22, 2026 · Education

Education Minister Dr A N M Ehsanul Haque Milon has called for comprehensive reforms in the education system, including curriculum revision, quality research, internationalization, and stronger academic infrastructure, to make higher education responsive to changing global realities and job market needs. Speaking as the chief guest at the concluding session of the two-day 'Vice-Chancellors' Dialogue: Shaping the Future of Higher Education' at BRAC CDM in Savar, organized by the University Grants Commission (UGC) under the Higher Education Acceleration and Transformation (HEAT) Project, Milon highlighted the necessity for fundamental changes in the education system to keep pace with technological advancements, employment trends, and societal changes.

## Curriculum Revision and Quality Research

Milon stressed that Bangladesh should not merely focus on increasing the number of universities without ensuring the necessary resources to run them effectively. He emphasized that establishing universities one after another will not ensure quality education. Instead, there must be adequate teachers, infrastructure, research facilities, and logistical support. The academic programs of new universities should be designed based on national priorities, regional needs, and future employment prospects.

Highlighting research as a key pillar of higher education, the minister called for stronger accountability in research funding. He urged universities to create greater opportunities for teachers to participate in international conferences, seminars, and research programs. Milon noted that exposure to international academic and practical experiences could contribute to improving the quality of higher education. He also called for strengthening the'reverse brain drain' initiative to bring Bangladeshi academics and researchers working abroad back to the country and utilize their expertise in domestic universities and research institutions.

## Internationalization and Infrastructure

Milon further emphasized expanding cross-border education through partnerships between Bangladeshi universities and renowned foreign institutions. He suggested exploring opportunities for foreign universities and educational institutions to operate in Bangladesh, enabling local students to receive international-standard education and research opportunities without going abroad. On public examinations, the minister announced plans to complete the 2027 SSC examinations before the beginning of Ramadan to reduce students' academic delays and expedite higher education admission procedures.

Regarding the UGC, Milon said the commission needed to expand and strengthen its role in ensuring quality higher education, research, curriculum development, teacher training, and monitoring of universities. He noted that the UGC, which started its journey in 1973 Act with four universities, now faces much broader responsibilities due to the expansion of the country's higher education sector. UGC Chairman Professor Dr Mamun Ahmed presented 'Transforming Higher Education in Bangladesh: A National Agenda for Sustainable Excellence (2026-2030)' and announced plans to establish a 'Higher Education Academy' to provide institutionalized training for university teachers and develop academic leadership.

The minister said the government was working to identify and address problems in higher education and would take necessary measures after reviewing the recommendations and concerns raised by vice-chancellors. He described the dialogue as an opportunity for coordination and collective planning, emphasizing the need for cohesion and coordination to understand the direction of higher education in Bangladesh.

## Sources

- BSS

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Source: https://pulsetoday.com.bd/en/education/curriculum-reform-quality-research-vital-transform-higher-education-milon