United News of Bangladesh

Dr Abdullah-Al-Mamun, professor and former chairman of the Department of Japanese Studies at Dhaka University, has been appointed a full-time member of the University Grants Commission (UGC). The Secondary and Higher Education Division under the Ministry of Education issued a notification in this regard on Saturday. According to the notification, Dr Mamun has been appointed as a UGC member for the next four years under the University Grants Commission Act, 1973. The appointment will take effect from the date of joining. He has already submitted his joining letter to the UGC chairman, the notice said. Dr Mamun has also made notable contributions to education and research at the international level. In 2024, he received the Fulbright Research Professorship at Adelphi University in the United States. In 2023, he served as a Japan Foundation Fellow at the International University of Japan. He earned his PhD in International Economic Development from the University of Huddersfield, UK, in 2020. In 2018, he obtained a Postgraduate Certificate in Research Methods from the same university. He also received a Certificate in Law from the University of Northumbria, UK, in 2009 and holds an MBA in Marketing. Earlier, he completed a postgraduate diploma from the Department of Japanese Studies at Dhaka University. He also obtained his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from the Department of Sociology at the university. His research interests include Japanese studies, development planning, international development cooperation, development project management, aid effectiveness, development sociology and political sociology.

The University Grants Commission of Bangladesh (UGC) will organise a national workshop on Tuesday aimed at transforming Bangladesh’s higher education system into a more contemporary, inclusive and sustainable model. Prime Minister Tarique Rahman will inaugurate the daylong workshop titled “Transforming Higher Education in Bangladesh: Roadmap to Sustainable Excellence,” as the chief guest at the Nabab Nawab Ali Chowdhury Senate Bhaban of Dhaka University in the morning. This will be his first official programme at Dhaka University since assuming office as Prime Minister through the February 12 national election. The information was shared at a press conference held at the UGC conference room on Monday afternoon. UGC Chairman Prof Dr Mamun Ahmed, its members, secretary, directors and members of the workshop organising committee were present at the press conference. In his speech, Mamun Ahmed said the workshop will play an important role in improving the quality of higher education and developing internationally competent human resources. “It will also help shape the government’s future plans and policy directions regarding tertiary education,” he said. The UGS Chairman stressed the importance of ensuring a proper educational environment, saying a conducive atmosphere is essential for effective teaching and learning and for the overall development of students. He also highlighted the importance of governance and collaboration among government bodies and stakeholders in establishing and maintaining a strong education system. Policymakers, UGC members, vice-chancellors of different universities, teachers, researchers, representatives from industries and development stakeholders will participate in the workshop. Education Minister Dr ANM Ehsanul Hoque Milon and Prime Minister’s Adviser Mahdi Amin will attend the opening session as special guests with the UGC Chairman in the chair. Following the opening ceremony, five technical sessions will be held focusing on graduate employability, soft skills development and demand-driven education; industry-academia collaboration and global competitiveness; digital transformation, digital literacy and integration of artificial intelligence; teachers’ professional development, research excellence and internationalisation; and governance, quality assurance and institutional reforms. Discussions and recommendations will be formulated during the sessions. Organisers said a practical policy roadmap for higher education development will be prepared based on the opinions and recommendations of the participants. The closing session of the workshop will be attended by Dhaka University VC Prof Dr ABM Obaidul Islam as the chief guest. Among the special guests at the concluding session will be Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology VC Prof Dr ABM Badruzzaman, North South University VC Prof Dr Abdul Hannan Chowdhury, and State University of Bangladesh VC Pro Dr Md Akhter Hossain Khan.  

Professor Dr ABM Obaidul Islam has been appointed the new vice-chancellor of University of Dhaka, Education Minister ANM Ehsanul Hoque Milon announced on Monday. The announcement was made during a briefing at the Ministry of Education. Prof Obaidul Islam is currently serving as the vice-chancellor of Bangladesh Open University. He was appointed to that post on September 12, 2024 following the fall of the Awami League government during the uprising. He is also the current president of the University Teachers Association of Bangladesh (UTAB). A professor of the Physics Department at the University of Dhaka, Obaidul Islam earlier served as the general secretary of the Dhaka University Teachers’ Association and also led the pro-BNP teachers’ platform known as the ‘White Panel’. He completed his bachelor degree in 1987 and master degree in 1988 from the Physics Department of Dhaka University and later joined the same department as a faculty member. He earned his PhD from University of Toyama in Japan in 1999. Earlier, after the fall of the Awami League government during the 2024 uprising, Professor Niaz Ahmed Khan of the Development Studies Department was appointed vice-chancellor of Dhaka University. On February 10, two days before the national election, he announced his intention to step down from the post at a press conference. Six days after the formation of the new government led by Bangladesh Nationalist Party, Prof Niaz submitted his resignation on February 22 but continued to discharge duties until the appointment of a new vice-chancellor. Meanwhile, Professor Mamun Ahmed has been appointed the new chairman of the University Grants Commission of Bangladesh. The announcement was also made by Education Adviser Ehsanul Haque Milon at the same briefing. Prof Mamun Ahmed, from the Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Department of Dhaka University, had been serving as the university’s pro-vice-chancellor. He is a member of the advisory council of Bangladesh Nationalist Party chairman and president of the Nationalist Social and Cultural Organisation. He replaces Professor S M A Faiz as chairman of the University Grants Commission.

Education Minister ANM Ehsanul Hoque Milon on Wednesday called upon the University Grants Commission of Bangladesh (UGC) to take effective steps to develop internationally competitive universities stressing that quality higher education and research are key to transforming Bangladesh into a knowledge-based nation. “BNP has always attached the highest importance to the education sector. Former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia and former President Ziaur Rahman worked to improve standards and address teachers’ concerns. Inspired by their ideals, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has placed education at the top of the government’s priorities,” the minister said while addressing a view-exchange meeting with the UGC chairman and members. Milon said expansion of research activities, promotion of innovation and development of skilled human resources must be prioritised to meet global standards. Describing the UGC as the central body of the country’s higher education system, the minister said the commission plays a crucial role in oversight, quality assurance and implementation of development plans. “With the rapid increase in the number of public and private universities, the responsibilities and scope of work of the commission have expanded significantly. The UGC must therefore function in a more dynamic, effective and result-oriented manner,” he said. Referring to the declining global rankings of Bangladeshi universities, the minister termed it a major challenge.  “We are a nation of 180 million people, yet we do not have a single university that meets international benchmarks. In this context, establishing a world-class postgraduate university and forming an effective research council to promote advanced research should be given top priority,” said the minister. Milon also emphasised implementing a “reverse brain drain” initiative to bring back talented Bangladeshi academics and researchers working abroad and engage them in the country’s education and research sectors. Urging UGC members and officials to adopt innovative and practical plans, the Education Minister  said each official should set a clear vision and mission within their respective responsibilities and take concrete steps to improve higher education outcomes. The minister requested the commission to submit a brief written report outlining its ongoing activities and future plans to help review progress and challenges in the higher education sector and take necessary measures. Technical education must align with global labour market trends: Education Minister At the meeting, UGC Chairman SMA Faiz and commission members discussed various aspects, challenges and prospects of the higher education sector and informed the adviser about steps taken to enhance academic standards. Milon underscored the need for coordinated efforts by the UGC and all stakeholders to strengthen the country’s higher education system and elevate it to international standards.  

University Grants Commission (UGC) member Prof. Mohammad Tanzimuddin Khan, has identified education, health, and agriculture as the primary drivers of national security, stressing that investment in these sectors is essential for human security. Speaking as the chief guest at a workshop on strengthening veterinary science education at Bangladesh Agricultural University (BAU) on Tuesday, he noted that global powers like the USA and China treat education as a core component of national security, a vision Bangladesh must also adopt. Addressing the selection process for the Higher Education Acceleration and Transformation (HEAT) project, Professor Khan highlighted that the grant was awarded through a highly competitive and transparent process. He asserted that in the post-August 5 era, the UGC has moved away from historically opaque practices to a purely merit-based selection system, countering common allegations of corruption in project allocations. He also expressed concern over Bangladesh’s low GDP allocation for education compared to other South Asian nations, stating that international university rankings cannot improve without addressing this investment deficit. BAU Vice-Chancellor Prof. A. K. Fazlul Haque Bhuiyan, attending as the chief patron, emphasized that while modern technology is vital, the sincerity and profound knowledge of teachers remain the heart of quality education. The workshop, presided over by Veterinary Faculty Dean Prof. Md. Bahanur Rahman, also featured a keynote by Sub-Project Manager Prof. Mohammad Eliusur Rahman Bhuiyan. He outlined plans to modernize classrooms, establish high-tech research infrastructure, and digitize library facilities to align veterinary training with global technological standards and produce skilled professionals. The event was attended by BAU's Director of Planning and Development Prof. Mohammad Musharraf Uddin Bhuiyan, HEAT Project Regional Coordinator Md. Monabberur Rashid and faculty members from various departments. The project, funded by the HEAT-Academic Transformation Fund (ATF), aims to create a technology-driven environment to enhance research and hands-on training within the veterinary faculty.

Vice President of the Jagannath University Central Students’ Union (JnUCSU), Md. Riazul Islam has alleged that Jagannath University (JnU) is facing discrimination at the University Grants Commission (UGC) due to the absence of any JnU faculty members there, claiming that a “syndicate” is operating the commission. He made the remarks during a meeting with campus journalists held at the conference room of the Marketing Department on Monday. Riazul Islam said, “There is a ‘syndicate’ working within the UGC. Only teachers from a single university are represented there. I cannot disclose many things openly, but we are facing numerous challenges. I seek the cooperation of journalists to help resolve these issues.”  He also noted that JnUCSU currently does not have an office to carry out its organizational activities, which is hampering their ability to perform official duties properly. Shibir-backed panel sweeps top posts in Jagannath University students’ union elections During the meeting, the JnUCSU Vice President and other elected representatives briefed journalists on their activities over the past 20 days. Replying to a question regarding the second campus, Riazul Islam said that work is underway with the UGC on the Detailed Project Proposal (DPP) for the second phase of the project, and efforts are being made to get it approved by the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) before the national elections. 16,365 students enlisted as voter in Jagannath University’s student union polls He added that although no formal meeting has been held with the army, discussions have taken place with the university authorities regarding land filling for the construction of student halls. JnUCSU General Secretary Abdul Alim Arif, Assistant General Secretary Masud Rana, Education and Research Secretary Ibrahim Khalil, along with other representatives, were also present at the event.

The University Grants Commission (UGC) of Bangladesh has identified three fake foreign university branch campuses operating in the country and issued a warning to students against enrolling in them. The universities are: America World University, USA; Trinity University, USA; and the Spiritual Institute of New York. According to UGC, none of these universities have received approval from the government or the commission. Dr. Shamsul Arefin, Director of the Public Relations and Publications Department at UGC, said that the matter came to light when Bangladesh Commerce Bank Limited applied to the commission to verify certificates of two students from America World University and Trinity University. During the verification process, UGC discovered the operation of these unauthorized branch campuses. “The list of proposed universities submitted by the ministry to the commission does not include any project under these names,” Dr. Arefin added. UGC noted that various media reports indicate the presence of unapproved foreign university branches, tutorial centers, and study centers in Bangladesh. Most of these institutions operate without authorization, offering bachelor, master, MPH, MBA, MPhil, and PhD degrees, which are entirely illegal under the law. UGC takes initiative to address teacher shortage in public universities Students are paying money to receive certificates from these unauthorized universities and many have been defrauded. UGC has recently sent letters to the Ministry of Home Affairs, the Ministry of Education, and the Anti-Corruption Commission urging immediate action against these universities. Dr. Shamsul Arefin emphasized the need for effective measures to prevent further student exploitation.    

A total of 141 teachers and students from various departments of Islamic University in Kushtia have been selected to conduct research projects under the Bangladesh University Grants Commission for the 2025-26 fiscal year. Among the participants, 65 are teachers, 69 students, and 7 PhD researchers. IU acting registrar Professor M Manjurul Haque said on Friday that each research project would run for one year, and participants would receive financial support under the programme. Participants were selected from seven faculties of the university, he added. Selected teachers would receive between Tk 300,000 and 325,000, PhD researchers receive Tk 200,000, and students would receive Tk 50,000 to 60,000 for the projects.

The University Grants Commission Chairman Professor SMA Faiz has assured that all vacant teaching positions in public universities across the country will be filled as quickly as possible. He made the remarks while delivering the keynote speech at the first day of the two-day fresher orientation programme for the 2024-2025 academic session held at Birshreshtha Hamidur Rahman Auditorium of Islamic University in Kushtia on Saturday. 'Universities are facing severe teacher shortages. We will hold a meeting in the coming days and make every effort to approve the vacant positions. I will do everything possible for Islamic University and other universities. A dedicated team is already working on this plan, he said. Presided over by the university vice-chancellor, Professor Nakib Muhammad Nasrullah, IU pro-vice-chancellor Professor M Yeaqub Ali and treasurer Professor M Jahangir Alam were present here as the special guests. IU Arabic Language and Literature department Professor M Rafiqul Islam and Social Welfare department lecturer M Habibur Rahman jointly conducted the event while the event convener and Social Sciences faculty dean Professor Begum Roksana Mili delivered welcome speech. Addressing the freshmen, Dr. Faiz recalled, 'In 2012, two students of Islamic University went missing. That reflected the political reality of the past sixteen years. We could not liberate the country, but the students of today have taken on that responsibility. I am grateful to you all for your courage in defending our freedom.' Among others, IU acting registrar Professor M Manjurul Haque, Law faculty dean Professor Khandakar Tauhidul Alam, Biological Sciences faculty dean Professor Babli Sabina Azhar, student adviser Professor Obaidul Islam, and proctor Professor Shahinuzzaman were present on the occasion. Later, a cultural function participated by teachers and students of different departments of the university was held there.

University Grants Commission (UGC) Chairman Prof SM A Faiez on Tuesday assured that Jagannath University (JnU) students will receive their supplementary grants by January. He gave the assurance while meeting with a delegation of JnU unit Islami Chhatra Shibir, led by its President Riazul Islam and General Secretary Abdul Alim Arif, at the UGC office in the afternoon. The UGC chairman said the scholarship will be disbursed in two phases, one part from the Finance Ministry and the other from UGC. Later in the evening, JnU Vice-Chancellor Prof Rezual Karim visited the students who are on hunger strike and told them that the scholarship money will reach their hands by January. “Collection of necessary documents will be completed by October. Since the Finance Committee (FC) has already cleared the process, there is no further obstacle now,” he said. After the meeting, JnU Shibir President Riazul Islam said the UGC chairman assured them that the students will get the scholarships by October, though in two phases. “We trust the UGC, but we want to see the money in students’ hands by October. We won’t accept any delay or excuse,” he added. The meeting was also attended by UGC member Prof Tajnimuddin Khan and JnU Shibir leaders including Secretary Abdul Alim Arif, Organising Secretary Mohammad Jahed, Office Secretary Ibrahim Khalil, Finance Secretary Mostafizur Rahman and Student Welfare Secretary Mohammad Faruk.