Education and Primary and Mass Education Minister Dr ANM Ehsanul Hoque Milon today exchanged views with UGC officials and employees at the UGC Bhaban, Dhaka. Photo : PID

DHAKA, March 4, 2026 (BSS) - Education and Primary and Mass Education Minister Dr ANM Ehsanul Hoque Milon today advised the University Grants Commission (UGC) to formulate an integrated plan on its own initiative to improve the quality of higher education instead of remaining confined only to supervising the activities of the country’s universities.

He also suggested introducing skill- and demand-based education curricula in universities to develop human resources suited to the needs of the global labour market.

The Education Minister made the remarks at an exchange of views meeting with UGC officials and employees at the UGC Bhaban, said a press release.

Describing the UGC as the focal point of the country’s higher education, he said the success and failure of higher education depend on the UGC. 

As the higher education sector is gradually expanding, he instructed the commission to properly supervise and advance the activities of universities. 

He urged the UGC to inform the Ministry of Education in writing about its achievements after 2024 and its future action plan.

Regarding Dhaka Central University, the minister said a temporary solution has been reached regarding the seven colleges. He said discussions with stakeholders would be held soon to reach a permanent solution to the crisis.

Speaking as the chair, UGC Chairman Professor Dr SMA Faiz said the present government is giving the highest priority to the education sector, which he believes will benefit the country.

Referring to Pakistan’s progress in higher education, he said although Pakistan lags behind Bangladesh in various development indicators, it has achieved commendable progress in higher education. 

Remarkable research activities are being conducted there due to necessary allocation of funds for education and research, he said, expressing hope that with appropriate measures, Bangladesh could reach a similar position within five to ten years.

At the meeting, he also urged the government to increase residential facilities and scholarship opportunities for female university students.

UGC Members Professor Dr Mohammad Tanzimuddin Khan delivered the welcome address, while Professor Dr Masuma Habib presented the history, activities, achievements and future work plan of the UGC.

UGC Members Professor Dr. Mohammad Anwar Hossain, Professor Dr. Md. Saidur Rahman and Professor Dr. Mohammad Aiyub Islam and Secretary Dr. Md. Fakhrul Islam were present, among others.

Divisional heads and officials of different levels of the UGC, directors of the HEAT and ICSETEP projects and senior officials of the Ministry of Education were also present. 

Additional Director of the Public University Management Department and General Secretary of the UGC Officers’ Association Dr. Md. Mohibul Ahsan conducted the meeting.

On behalf of the UGC, demands were placed for speedy approval of the Higher Education Commission Act, amendment of the UGC service rules, resolution of housing problems of officials and employees and revival of the SAARC fellowship.