The Bangladesh University Grants Commission (UGC) is working to reduce the existing gap in quality and capacity between public and private universities in the country by improving the education quality. UGC member Professor Dr Abdullah-Al-Mamun highlighted this while addressing new students at Teesta University's orientation programme for the July-December 2026 semester.
Addressing the Gap
Professor Dr Abdullah-Al-Mamun noted that there is a visible difference between public and private universities in terms of research capacity, teacher development, lab and technological infrastructure, international cooperation, quality assurance of education, and employment-oriented curricula. The UGC is implementing reforms and policy initiatives to reduce this gap, aiming to provide equal opportunities for higher education and accelerate the overall human resource progress of the country.
Strategic Action Plan
The UGC's draft strategic action plan for higher education transformation includes bringing universities under an integrated digital network. This plan aims to strengthen industry-academia linkages, formulate up-to-date and quality curricula, enhance internal and external quality assurance systems, increase investment in research, and establish good governance. Emphasis is also placed on developing students' skills to enable them to innovate and compete internationally.
Professor Dr Abdullah-Al-Mamun stressed the importance of students acquiring research, IT skills, problem-solving skills, creative thinking, moral values, and leadership qualities to meet the challenges of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR). He emphasized that universities should not be merely institutions that award certificates but centers for creating skilled, humane, innovative, and responsible citizens.
Teesta University, established to expand opportunities for quality higher education and research for local students, aims to become an international standard institution through modern infrastructure, skilled teacher recruitment, a research-friendly environment, and a technology-based education system. The university is following UGC guidelines to maintain the quality of its education, research, and academic activities.
