The University Grants Commission (UGC) has placed a total of 17 recommendations in view of uplifting the university level academic system of Bangladesh.
The UGC, the authority to monitor and guide the university level academic system of the country, made these recommendations aimed at improving the standard and accessibility of higher education in Bangladesh by addressing systemic problems.
The adoption of these policies may open the door to an inclusive and robust educational system.
The UGC, in its latest 48th annual report, published the recommendations on its official website.
One of the primary conclusions is that a ‘pool’ of outstanding teachers will be assembled to fill the university's top three positions, which are Vice-Chancellor, Pro Vice-Chancellor, and Treasurer.
In addition, developing partnerships between academic institutions and private businesses as well as putting in place an internal university ranking system based on the global ranking system.
However, there are still problems with research, infrastructure, transparency, and the calibre of governance. Based on data from 2022, the UGC 48th Annual Report was published on January 23, 2024. Numerous pieces of information, including university research, have been highlighted in the report. Every year, UGC submits reports on the nation's universities and higher education to the government.
The UGC Director of Public Relations and Information Rights Department, Dr. AKM Shamsul Arefin, told Bangladesh Post that the upcoming 49th annual report will be available soon, within a week or two. The information, findings, and recommendations will be made based on 2023 cumulated data. The newly updated annual report will suggest more research and development.
As of right now, there are 169 accredited universities. Of them, the government owns 55 and private companies own 114. However, UGC data indicates that as of 2022, there were 53 public universities and 110 private universities in the country, 100 of which were academically active. There are 47,56,747 students enrolled in classes overall.
According to UGC officials, higher education's scope has significantly increased in the contemporary era. It is the policy of the government to establish at least one university in every district.
It can sometimes be difficult to find qualified vice-chancellors, treasurers, and vice-chancellors for a large number of the country's universities in such a situation. Vice-chancellors who are appointed to university positions are often accused of being incompetent, corrupt, and exhibiting various irregularities.
Among the many recommendations in this report, UGC Member Prof Md. Sazzad Hossain said that they have prioritized creating innovative ventures (startups) for university students, launching special award systems for young researchers, and collaborating with industrial and educational institutions.
Highlighted recommendations:
Strategic research plans: To promote information sharing, provide rewards for publications, and ease cooperation between industry and academia, universities should design strategic research plans.
Investment in Blue Economy Research: The government is urged to set up a research fund to investigate marine resources and advance technical skills in light of the enlarged territorial sea rights.
University ranking introduction: To improve Bangladesh's universities' standing internationally, the government should think about implementing a ranking system that is specific to the country's socioeconomic situation.
Adoption of blockchain technology: By using blockchain to prevent certificate forgeries, academic credentials can be verified as authentic.
Establishment of academic institutions: To improve the calibre of instruction and the capacity for research, funding for projects like the University Teachers' Training Academy and Central Research Laboratory is advised.
Creation of Academic Master Plans: To match education with changing student needs and international standards, universities must create academic master plans.
Recruitment transparency: To dispel claims of nepotism and corruption, an impartial recruitment commission can guarantee hiring procedures are meritocratic and transparent.
Policy for university expansion: To support the government's initiative to establish universities in every district, specific policies are required for infrastructure development and land acquisition.
Assurance of quality in newly established universities: Before newly established universities start their academic programs, regulations should specify the minimal infrastructure and faculty needs.
Uniform Financial Policy: To simplify financial management amongst universities, a common financial policy is necessary.
Regulation of Foreign University Branch Campuses: To enable the creation and oversight of foreign university branch campuses within the legal framework, amendments are required.
Enhanced Governance in Private Universities: At private universities, steps must be taken to guarantee consistent administrative operations and compliance with legal requirements.
UGC with more authority: The UGC needs more authority to carry out its recommendations and conduct thorough investigations into anomalies.
Audit Standardization: To maintain financial accountability and transparency, standardized audit processes and ethical standards are required.
Participation in Top Appointments: To maintain meritocracy, the UGC ought to be involved in the selection of Vice-Chancellors, Pro-Vice Chancellors, and Treasurers. It suggests a "pool" of outstanding teachers will be assembled to fill the university's top three positions, which are Vice-Chancellor, Pro Vice-Chancellor, and Treasurer.
Review of Program Offerings: To uphold their academic integrity and concentrate on the main goals of education, universities ought to stop offering non-traditional programs.
Education Loan Program: To increase access to higher education, initiatives are being put forth to offer financial aid to disadvantaged students via an education loan program.
