UGC Chairman Professor Dr. Mamun Ahmed addressed as chief guest a programme at East West University in the capital. Photo: Collected

DHAKA, Sept 10, 2026 (BSS) – University Grants Commission of Bangladesh (UGC) Chairman Professor Dr. Mamun Ahmed has called upon university teachers and students to pursue free thinking alongside acquiring knowledge and skills, stressing that freedom of expression and pursuit of knowledge must be exercised responsibly.

He made the remarks while addressing as chief guest a programme at East West University in the capital today, marking Freshers’ Reception-2026 and Nazrul Year.

Dr Mamun said universities must provide opportunities for free speech, knowledge pursuit and expression of opinions, while teachers and students should build an academic culture where free thinking is practised responsibly.

Addressing new students, he said academic merit alone is not enough for success, which also requires hard work, perseverance, commitment and participation in extracurricular activities. 

Students must acquire workplace and real-life skills and develop social, emotional and psychological capabilities.

Highlighting challenges in higher education, he said producing quality graduates remains difficult despite expansion of the sector. 

University education should be better aligned with the job market and real life, he added.

He said Bangladesh’s greatest asset is its human resources and investment in quality education and skills development can create employment opportunities at home and abroad, including through self-employment.

Regarding UGC’s role, he said it wants to support universities rather than merely regulate them and will provide equal support to public and private institutions based on performance.

He said private universities should invest in faculty development, research, student welfare and scholarships. 

The government reduced VAT by 5 percent following a UGC recommendation, and the commission is working to reduce it by another 5 percent next year, he said.

He also outlined plans for digital connectivity among universities, greater international research collaboration and increased PhD fellowships.

Referring to Nazrul’s philosophy, he said his thoughts remain relevant to combating inequality and building a non-communal society and state.