Bangladesh University Grants Commission (UGC) Chairman Professor Dr. Mamun Ahmed has described the government’s decision to reduce the 5 percent tax imposed on private universities as a significant opportunity to improve the quality of higher education. Speaking as the special guest at a programme organised by the Association of Private Universities of Bangladesh (APUB), Dr. Ahmed emphasized that the tax reduction is not merely a financial benefit but a major opportunity to enhance the skills of teachers and students, promote demand-driven education, and strengthen quality research.
Research-Centric Education
Dr. Mamun Ahmed stressed the need to establish a research-centric higher education system and develop a national research ecosystem to transform Bangladesh into a regional hub for higher education. He noted that most private universities in the country remain primarily teaching-oriented and urged them to take the lead in research as well. According to the UGC chairman, quality research is essential for addressing national challenges and building a knowledge-based economy.
Government Support and Funding
Refuting the perception that private universities do not receive government support, Professor Mamun Ahmed said Taka 56 crore had been allocated for research at private universities under the development budget in the last fiscal year. He added that the UGC would continue to fund research projects capable of contributing to solving the country's problems. The UGC chairman also mentioned that around 5 million students are currently pursuing higher education in the country, and both public and private universities must work in a coordinated manner to develop them into skilled human resources.
National Research Ecosystem
Highlighting initiatives to transform Bangladesh into a regional higher education hub through a research-oriented higher education system, Dr. Ahmed said work on developing a national research repository and an integrated research ecosystem is progressing rapidly. This will help establish a research ecosystem where priorities can be set, data preserved, and duplication of research avoided. He believes that successful implementation of this initiative would encourage more foreign students to pursue higher education in Bangladesh while reducing the number of local students going abroad for international-standard education.
National Priorities and Collaboration
Stating that the current government has placed higher education at the centre of its national development strategy, the UGC chairman said building a knowledge-based economy, strengthening collaboration between industry and academia, expanding internship opportunities, and fostering entrepreneurship are now among the country's national priorities. Finance Minister Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury attended the programme as the chief guest, while APUB Chairman Md. Sabur Khan presided over the function, which was also attended by Secretary General Ishtiaque Abedin, Vice Chairman Benajir Ahmed, trustees, vice-chancellors, and senior officials of various private universities.
