Wi-Fi Within Weeks: UGC Directs Free Internet Access in Universities

The University Grants Commission (UGC) has directed all public and private universities in the country to ensure free Wi-Fi facilities within 60 working days. The process of issuing formal instructions to universities in this regard is in its final stage.

The information was disclosed from a meeting held on Wednesday, March 25, at the Commission’s conference room, chaired by UGC Chairman Dr. Mamun Ahmed.

Among those present at the meeting were UGC members Professor Dr. Mohammad Tanzimuddin Khan, Professor Dr. Mohammad Anwar Hossain, Professor Dr. Md. Saidur Rahman, Professor Dr. Masuma Habib, and Professor Dr. Mohammad Ayub Islam; UGC Secretary Dr. Md. Fakhrul Islam; Director of the ICT Division Md. Omar Faruk; HEAT Project Director Professor Dr. Asaduzzaman; and CEO of BdREN Mohammad Taurit, along with other officials.

Relevant officials stated that the initiative is part of the current government’s election manifesto, which pledged to expand digital facilities in the education sector, support students in education and research, and reduce the digital divide through the introduction of free Wi-Fi. As per the decision, universities will initially be instructed to ensure free Wi-Fi access in libraries, common rooms, and cafeterias of all public and private universities within the next 60 working days. The Bangladesh Research and Education Network (BdREN) will provide support in implementing this initiative.

It was also stated in the meeting that the facility will gradually be expanded to include residential halls and other educational and research infrastructures within universities. Additionally, the UGC Chairman provided necessary guidelines to officials of the UGC, HEAT Project, and BdREN to develop student-friendly digital infrastructure across higher education institutions in the country.

DBTech/NA/MUM/OR