UGC Targets Digital Transformation for All Universities

The University Grants Commission (UGC) of Bangladesh has set a target to bring all public and private universities under a nationwide digital transformation programme within the next two years, aiming to reduce the digital divide between institutions in major cities and those in remote regions.

UGC Chairman Professor Dr. Mamun Ahmed announced the initiative while addressing the 20th University Day and Freshers' Reception of Jatiya Kabi Kazi Nazrul Islam University on 15 July, Wednesday.

He said the first phase of the programme will ensure uninterrupted high-speed internet connectivity at all universities. The next phases will focus on establishing digital classrooms, technology-driven academic infrastructure and smart campuses.

According to the UGC Chairman, the initiative will provide students and faculty members across the country with equal access to international-standard education, research facilities and digital knowledge resources. Universities will also gain easier access to foreign research journals, e-books, academic publications and other digital databases, strengthening both educational quality and global research collaboration.

Dr. Mamun Ahmed said building a digitally skilled workforce remains one of the government's top priorities. To support this goal, revenue and development budgets for public universities have been increased in the current fiscal year. The government is also working to gradually raise education spending to 5 percent of GDP.

He stressed that recruitment of teachers, officers and staff should be based on merit, competence and professional skills. He added that Bangladeshi graduates must be equipped with technological, language and professional competencies to compete successfully in the global job market.

Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. Mohammad Mosharraf Hossain said the university currently has around 11,000 students enrolled in 25 departments under six faculties. Outcome-Based Education (OBE) is being implemented, while the number of research publications in internationally indexed journals continues to grow.

He sought UGC support for launching new basic science departments, recruiting additional faculty members and expanding academic infrastructure.

Special guest and university syndicate member Dr. Md. Mahabubur Rahman, MP, emphasized holding annual convocations, expanding co-curricular activities and accelerating the implementation of the proposed "Nazrul City" initiative. He also called for land acquisition, new academic and administrative buildings, and approval for additional faculty recruitment.

The event was attended by faculty members, university officials, employees, newly admitted students and their guardians.

//DBTech/IHUG/SME//