The University Grants Commission (UGC) will be empowered and strengthened in order to enhance the quality of education, ensure accountability and carry out activities smoothly, sources said. UGC is the apex body of all the affiliated public, private and international universities of Bangladesh but it faces difficulties in carrying out its jurisdiction. As a result, the government is going to strengthen and empower the independent and the constitutional institution.
In this regard, a day long view-exchange meeting will be held in presence of all authorities concerned including UGC and education ministry on 26th February, UGC sources said. Education minister Dipu Moni informed this after visiting UGC on January 30.
Education minister said, “The government has given top priority to the education sector. We have decided to take uniform admission test in country’s all public universities from academic year 2020-2021.” “It will reduce sufferings of applicants and guardians as well as reduce cost. Especially, the sufferings of female candidates will reduce to a great extent,” she added.
In order to take country’s higher education to a reputable stage in world ranking, Dipu Moni emphasized establishing central research centre, teachers’ training academy in universities and formulating master plan in all universities by coordinating all stakeholders.
The minister has given directives for closing evening courses at different universities and recruiting full-time project directors in ongoing projects. She also said that a new policy will be formed for appointing vice-chancellor, pro vice-chancellor and treasurers in public universities.
In was known that although government is eager to take uniform admission test, four universities (Dhaka, Rajshahi, Chittagong and Jahangirnagar) and Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET) have not confirmed UGC about joining uniform entry test.
About the uniform admission test UGC Chairman Dr Kazi Shahidullah told Bangladesh Post, “If they agree, there will be a uniform admission test at all 46 public universities. If you do not agree, the admission test will be taken except those five universities.”
Educationists, students and guardians expressed their views in support of uniform admission test. Mizanur Rahman, 53, a guardian said, “The candidates have to bear huge cost for traveling from one part of the country to another and face difficulties in accommodation as well. The uniform admission test will ease the sufferings of the guardians and applicants.”