# UGC Chairman Highlights Importance of Quality Higher Education and Skilled Graduates

*University Grants Commission Chairman Professor Dr Mamun Ahmed emphasizes the need for quality higher education and skilled graduates to address the growing job market demand.*

August 21, 2026 · Education

## At a glance

- UGC Chairman calls for quality higher education and skilled graduates.
- Significant increase in higher education students and institutions noted.
- Five-year strategic plan for higher education transformation announced.

University Grants Commission (UGC) Chairman Professor Dr Mamun Ahmed today stressed the importance of ensuring quality higher education, enhancing students’ skills, and preparing graduates for employment. He highlighted the significant increase in the number of higher education students and institutions in recent years, noting that many young people still struggle to find employment after completing their education. Employers, on the other hand, are finding it difficult to locate graduates with the necessary skills.

## Addressing the Skill Gap

Professor Mamun was speaking at the ‘Vice-Chancellors' Dialogue: Shaping the Future of Higher Education’, a two-day national policy dialogue organized under the Higher Education Acceleration and Transformation (HEAT) Project of the UGC. The event, held at BRAC CDM in Savar, brought together vice-chancellors of around 65 public and private universities, policymakers, academics, and experts.

He pointed out the dual challenge of employers not finding skilled graduates and highly educated young people being deprived of job opportunities. Professor Mamun suggested that this gap could be reduced by making necessary changes to university curricula, teaching methods, and assessment systems.

## Strategic Plan for Higher Education

Professor Mamun announced that the UGC is preparing a five-year strategic plan for the sustainable transformation of higher education. He believes that if implemented successfully, this plan will bring visible changes in the quality of higher education and research in the country.

The dialogue focused on strategic leadership and governance, quality teaching and assessment, research and innovation, university-industry collaboration, and artificial intelligence and digital transformation. The event saw participation from various dignitaries including Finance and Planning Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury, Education and Primary and Mass Education Adviser to the Prime Minister Dr Mahdi Amin, and Secondary and Higher Education Division Secretary Abdul Khalek.

## Why This Matters for Bangladesh

The emphasis on quality higher education and skilled graduates is crucial for Bangladesh as the country strives to meet the demands of a rapidly evolving job market. By aligning higher education with industry needs, Bangladesh can enhance its economic growth, reduce unemployment, and improve the overall quality of life for its citizens.

## Sources

- BSS

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Source: https://pulsetoday.com.bd/en/education/ugc-chairman-stresses-need-for-quality-higher-education-and-skilled-graduates