The University Grants Commission (UGC) of Bangladesh will be made a ‘university commission’ dropping ‘grants’ word from it in a bid to improve the quality of the country’s tertiary education. Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam said this at a press briefing here at Foreign Service Academy on Tuesday. " The University Grants Commission will be a university commission excluding ‘grants’ word so that it can act in a bigger sphere to maintain the quality of all sorts of tertiary education and make the education a time-befitting one,” he said. Though an education reform commission has not been formed, this government is working on many issues here phase by phase to bring reforms in the education sector, said the press secretary. “The possibility of formation of an education reform commission can’t be ruled out,” he said. Noting that bribery and irregularities take place also in the education sector, he said, “We’ve identified this area. We’ll also work on it so that we could make the education sector free from all sorts of corruption,” he said. Shafiqul Alam said the education sector has long been neglected as the desired investment was not made here decade after decade. “Now we need to increase allocation for the education sector,” he said. CA's Deputy Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad Majumder and Senior Assistant Press Secretary Foyez Ahammad were present at the briefing.

The University Grants Commission (UGC) of Bangladesh on Sunday asked the private universities to conduct all educational activities at their permanent campuses within the stipulated timeframe. The private universities whose temporary certificate has already expired will have to shift to their permanent campuses, said UGC member Prof Mohammad Anwar Hossain. 7-member advisory committee formed to oversee DAP implementation He made this call while visiting the permanent campus land of Ishaka International University Bangladesh in Kishoreganj district on Saturday, said a press release here on Sunday. Prof Hossain provided necessary directions to the university authority to improve education, research, and the physical and mental development of students.

Bangladesh and Malaysia have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to promote study, research and teaching of the Bangladeshi students, teachers and researchers in the Malaysian Universities. The MoU was signed between the University Grants Commission (UGC), Bangladesh and Education Malaysia Global Services (EMGS), Ministry of Higher Education on November 27 in Kuala Lumpur. Malaysia is growingly becoming one of the preferred destinations for Bangladeshi students over the years for its quality higher education, said the Bangladesh High Commission in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Nearly 7000 Bangladeshi students are currently studying in Malaysia’s various institutions providing higher education. Navie Tajuddin, Chief Executive Officer of EMGS and Prof Dr S M A Faiz, Chairman of the UGC signed the MoU representing each side. The witness of the MoU exchange ceremony was held on November 28, in presence of Dr Zambry Abd Kadir, Minister of Higher Education, in Putrajaya. The signing ceremony started with remarks by Navie Tajuddin, Chief Executive Officer of the Education Malaysia Global Services (EMGS), Ministry of Higher Education. Prof Dr S M A Faiz, Chairman of the University Grants Commission (UGC), Bangladesh and Md Shameem Ahsan, High Commissioner of Bangladesh to Malaysia, also spoke. While expressing that this signing will pave the way for broader cooperation in the field of education and research, UGC Chairman sincerely thanked the EMGS for their keen interest in Bangladesh and generous support to make it happen. Bangladesh High Commissioner to Malaysia Ahsan congratulated both the friendly countries for formalizing the collaboration and he assured to extend all-out support on the part of the Mission to implement it. He expressed satisfaction, noting that such MoU would open up further opportunities for Bangladeshi students and researchers. Prof Dr Mohammad Anwar Hossen, Member, UGC; Dr Fakhrul Islam, Secretary, UGC, Mohammad Khorshed Alam Khastagir, Deputy High Commissioner were present, among others. Malaysia has created a new model of higher education by combining their Islamic values with the modern education system of the Western world. This model can play a helpful role in shaping higher education in Bangladesh. At the same time, the High Commission said, it is possible to take Bangladesh forward by creating a higher education system by connecting the July Movement's main theme 'Social Justice' by creating an outline of higher education cooperation with Malaysia.

The University Grants Commission (UGC) and Bangladesh Agricultural University (BAU) will jointly work on a project aimed at enhancing research and development in agriculture and food technology, climate management and strengthening higher education in agricultural fields. The project, titled Strengthening Agricultural Tertiary Education Project (SATEP), is financed by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the Economic Development Cooperation Fund (EDCF) of the Export-Import Bank of Korea (KEXIM). As part of this initiative, a memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed between the BAU and several agricultural and industrial organizations. Mohammad Toufiqul Islam, acting director of BAU’s Public Relations and Publications office, confirmed it on Sunday. BAU Vice Chancellor Prof Dr. AK Fazlul Haque Bhuiyan attended the signing ceremony, as the chief guest. Separate agreements were inked among the Bangladesh Agro-Processors' Association (BAPA), the Bangladesh Shrimp and Fish Foundation (BSFF) and Ispahani Agro Limited (IAL) at the event. VC Fazlul Haque highlighted that over the past 63 years, the dedicated faculty and researchers at BAU have consistently shared knowledge with students, leading to significant advancements in the country’s agriculture. He said that this project will play a crucial role in developing human resources and conducting modern agricultural research, thus contributing to Bangladesh’s food security. The project will establish modern laboratories that will benefit nine public universities and relevant private institutions involved in agricultural research, the VC said. He emphasized the need to align with global agricultural advancements, particularly in mechanization and technology, as the government strives to integrate these aspects into the agricultural sector in line with the fourth industrial revolution. The meeting also featured key participants such as Ryotaro Hayashi, Senior Social Sector Economist at ADB and various representatives from BAU, agricultural associations and industries. Notably, the project aims to create the "Bangladesh Instrumentation Center for Climate Change and Agricultural Research," which will focus on developing relevant curricula and providing necessary training for enhancing professional skills, while fostering connections among educators, students, farmers, and related industries.

Chairman of the University Grants Commission (UGC) Prof Anwar Hossain said on Tuesday that the government will initiate the PhD programme in nursing education after consulting with stakeholders including Banganbandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU). He came up with the announcement in a views exchange meeting with a seven member delegation of Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) with the UGC. Addressing the importance of improving nursing education to build a better Bangladesh, he said Bangladesh lags behind in the quality nursing education. The UGC chairman said huge employment will be created at home and abroad if skilled nurses can be created. KOICA representative Prof Taehwa Lee put forward a report on the country’s nursing education and research sector and demanded to launch the PhD programme through the National Institute of Advanced Nursing Education & Research (NIANER). The education and research in the nursing sector will thrive if the nursing teachers are conferred the PhD degree, he opined, stressing the need for drafting a principle on the commencement of the PhD degree. There are diploma, Bsc and Msc programmes in nursing in the country.

A meeting among Dhaka University (DU), University Grants Commission (UGC) of Bangladesh and World Bank was held on Sunday. The meeting took place at the Vice-Chancellor's Lounge, where Chairman of Bangladesh University Grants Commission Prof. Dr. SMA Faiz, Vice-Chancellor of DU  Prof. Dr. Niaz Ahmed Khan, Pro-Vice Chancellor (Academic) Prof. Dr. Mamun Ahmed, Pro-Vice Chancellor (Administration) Prof. Dr. Sayema Haque Bidisha, Treasurer Prof. Dr. M Jahangir Alam Chowdhury, UGC Members- Prof. Dr. Mohammad Tanzimuddin Khan and Prof. Dr. Mohammad Anwar Hossen, World Bank Senior Education Specialist TM Asaduzzaman, Senior Education Advisor Dr. Md Mahamud Ul Hoque and Project Director Prof. Dr. Asaduzzaman were present. During the meeting they discussed various issues including implementation of different development projects at DU with the financial assistance from the World Bank. The meeting also discussed the construction of a residential hall for DU female students, formation of a special fund for providing scholarship among financially challenged students, improving Wi-Fi network at DU, development of DU Medical Centre and undertaking joint research and training programs.

Dr SMA Faiz, former professor of the Department of Soil, Water and Environment of Dhaka University, has been appointed as the chairman of University Grants Commission (UGC).The Education Ministry issued a notification in this regard on Thursday. UGC closes all public, private universities indefinitelyDr Faiz, also the former vice-chancellor of Dhaka University and former Chairman of Bangladesh Public Service Commission, was appointed for four years and he will be entitled with all facilities including salary, allowances and other benefits according to the rules of the commission.

University Grants Commission (UGC) Chairman Prof Kazi Shahidullah has resigned from his position on Sunday. In a resignation letter sent to the secretary to the Secondary of and Higher Secondary Division under the Ministry of Education, the UGC chairman citied his illness behind the resignation. The letter mentioned that he has been staying in Australia for his treatment since August 20 last year following an official order from the Secondary of and Higher Secondary Division.  As per consultation of the Australian physicians and his physical condition, he is unable to carry out his duty, it reads.   In the letter he mentioned that he joined as the UGC chairman on May 28 last year.

The University Grants Commission (UGC) has announced a closure of all public and private universities until further notice considering the issue of students' safety against the background of the quota reform movement. A press release, signed by UGC secretary Dr Ferdous Zaman, said academic activities of all public, private universities, medical, textile, engineering colleges affiliated to the university and other colleges will remain shut until further notice. The UGC has taken the move in line with the Education Ministry’s decision, said the release. Moreover, the students have been ordered to vacate the halls of residence, it reads. The UGC has made the decision hours after at least six people died and scores sustained injuries in clashes between the quota protesters, police and Chhatra League members across the country.

The higher education sector in the country is passing the most challenging period, University Grants Commission (UGC) Chairman (Additional ) Professor Dr Muhammad Alamgir said on Sunday. "And there is no alternative to improve the quality of higher education in the ever-changing education system," he said. UGC to train teachers of 20 public universities countrywide He made the remarks while speaking as the chief guest at a views exchange program with the newly appointed teachers and officials of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Maritime University (BSMRMU), Bangladesh. Twenty-one newly appointed teachers and officers of BSMRMU participated in the meeting. Professor Alamgir said, “In the era of artificial intelligence, 50 percent of the traditional work will be done with artificial intelligence in the next 5 to 10 years. Unless a highly skilled workforce is created, the unemployment rate will increase.” So, realizing the demand, changes need to be brought in the current higher education curriculum to develop manpower suitable for the future labor market, he added. UGC probe body finds evidence of corruption, irregularities against IU VC “The work of building a teachers training academy is going on and the training program will start very soon to make teachers skilled,” he stated. Professor Alamgir said the field of higher education in Bangladesh is very large. Now, there are more than 48 lakh students studying in 61 public and 115 private universities. “This number of students is more than the total population of many countries. So ensuring quality education is a big challenge for us now.” UGC directs  National University not to admit new students to its main campus He mentioned that the 'Higher Education Acceleration and Transformation (HIT)' project is under implementation to improve the quality of higher education.