Photo : Collected

DHAKA, Jun 14, 2026 (BSS) - University Grants Commission (UGC) Chairman Professor Dr Mamun Ahmed has said that engineering students should not aim only to acquire merit and technical skills; they must also develop themselves as honest, ethical and responsible human resources.

“Merit and skills combined with ethics, integrity, patriotism and human values will be beneficial for individuals, society and the state,” he said while addressing the inauguration ceremony of the academic activities for the 2025-26 session at the Military Institute of Science and Technology (MIST) in the capital.

He said Bangladesh needs not only skilled engineers but also professionals with ethical leadership to advance sustainable development, a technology-driven economy and global competitiveness.

Engineers must play an important role in building a corruption-free, accountable and innovation-friendly society, he added.

He said that after completing their degrees, students would assume important responsibilities in various sectors and professions across the country. Therefore, they must develop not only academic excellence but also social skills, leadership qualities and human values, he added. 

He said MIST is a reputed higher education institution operated under the supervision of the armed forces, where discipline, a sense of responsibility and professional excellence are given special importance.

Professor Ahmed urged the institution to maintain its positive culture of discipline while giving equal importance to students’ creativity, social engagement and personality development. 

He urged the MIST authorities to ensure a student-friendly environment where discipline and human development remain balanced.

The UGC chairman observed that although higher education has expanded in the country, the quality of education has not improved proportionately.

“Currently, around five million students are studying in nearly 180 universities across the country. The scope of higher education has expanded, but the quality of education has not increased accordingly. To overcome this situation, the UGC is implementing various initiatives,” he said.

He said the UGC is working to make students employable through ensuring quality higher education.

To this end, initiatives are being undertaken to introduce skill-based education, expand research opportunities and establish quality educational institutions. He called upon parents, teachers and policymakers to work together to develop the new generation into skilled human resources.

Speaking on the occasion, MIST Commandant Major General Mohammad Hakimuzzaman said that all departments, including engineering disciplines, follow an Outcome-Based Education (OBE) curriculum. As a result, students are acquiring competitive capabilities for their professional careers, he added.

He said that initiatives would be taken in the future to establish modern research laboratories, expand international collaboration and increase various facilities, including accommodation for students and teachers.

Among others, Colonel Md. Shahab Uddin and Colonel Mohammad Mozammel Haque also spoke at the programme.

Deans of different faculties, department heads, teachers, officials, newly enrolled students and their guardians were present at the event.