UGC Pushes Digital Transformation for Smart Campuses

Bangladesh is working to bring universities under high-speed internet and advanced digital connectivity while developing smart classrooms and smart campuses. Initiatives are also being taken to move administrative activities online and strengthen digital communication and academic collaboration with universities and academics at home and abroad. Bangladesh University Grants Commission (UGC) Chairman Professor Dr. Mamun Ahmed said these activities, along with other subprojects under the Higher Education Acceleration and Transformation (HEAT) Project, are being closely monitored.

He made the remarks as the chief guest at the opening of a mid-term review workshop of the HEAT Project at the Science Academy in Agargaon on September 29, Tuesday.

The UGC chairman said project monitoring is not intended to harass anyone but to ensure that targets are achieved on time, funds are properly utilized and the quality of work is maintained. He warned that necessary strict measures would be taken if implementation is slow or irregularities or serious problems are detected.

He said the status of each project, progress achieved, emerging problems and reasons for delays must be reviewed regularly and closely. Projects progressing according to plan will receive necessary support for faster and effective implementation, while appropriate action will be taken against projects that are lagging or not being properly managed.

Professor Dr. Mamun Ahmed said the HEAT Project is not merely about completing scheduled activities; its core objective is to bring real, visible and sustainable changes to the country’s higher education system. Improving education quality, developing employment-oriented skills, establishing effective university-industry links, faculty development, research and innovation, and digital transformation are key components of the project.

Noting that nearly two years of the five-year project period have already elapsed for various reasons, he said implementation must be accelerated during the remaining period. He stressed the need for specific action plans and proper implementation to achieve the desired results within the scheduled timeframe. If necessary, a limited extension of the project period could be considered based on specific plans and implementation progress.

On digital transformation, the UGC chairman said universities are being brought under high-speed internet and advanced digital connectivity, alongside initiatives to develop smart classrooms and smart campuses. Plans also include moving administrative activities online and strengthening digital communication and academic cooperation with universities and academics at home and abroad.

Professor Mamun Ahmed also emphasized improving students’ soft and hard skills and increasing their engagement with industries. He said work is underway with a goal of making internships mandatory within the next five years so that students can gain exposure to real work environments during their academic life. This would also strengthen employability and create an effective bridge between universities and industry.

On faculty development, the UGC chairman said initiatives have been taken to provide training to 5,000 teachers under the HEAT Project. The initiative covers both junior and senior teachers as well as senior university management officials. A permanent higher education training academy is also being established to institutionalize these capacity-building activities over the long term.

He said 180 research projects have been approved in the first phase of the HEAT Project. The results of research must be effectively applied to solving real problems and contributing to national development, he said, emphasizing the need to connect research-based knowledge and innovation with practical applications.

He also said an initiative has been taken to establish a National Research Repository. It will create an integrated database of the country’s research activities and provide opportunities for evidence-based decisions on future research grants and research priorities.

World Bank Practice Manager Dr. Sherezad Latif Monami, speaking as a special guest, said the HEAT Project is a priority project of the World Bank. Improving higher education quality, preparing students for employment and creating sustainable employment opportunities are among its key objectives.

She said the World Bank expects the HEAT Project to play an important role in achieving the government’s target of creating 10 million jobs over the next five years. She called on stakeholders to complete activities under the HEAT Project, including research and innovation, faculty development and digital transformation, within the stipulated timeframe.

Project Director Professor Dr. Asaduzzaman presented the overall progress, achievements, implementation challenges and future actions of the HEAT Project at the event.

World Bank Senior Education Specialist and HEAT Project Task Team Leader T M Asaduzzaman, along with officials from the UGC, Bangladesh Accreditation Council, HEAT Project and World Bank, were present at the event.

//DBTech/IHUG।/SME/MSI//