Home Minister Urges Universities to Build Tech-Based Society

Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed has called upon universities to come forward in building a technology-based, merit-driven, and knowledge-based society. The Minister made this call while speaking as the chief guest at a discussion meeting organized on the occasion of the 21st founding anniversary of Jagannath University at the university's central auditorium in Dhaka on Monday afternoon, November 2, 2026.

The Minister stated that to meet the challenges of the twenty-first century and build a modern Bangladesh, it is essential to move beyond traditional education and foster technical knowledge and talent. To achieve this, the country's universities must step forward to ensure innovative research, the practice of modern information technology, and merit-based education.

The Minister further stated that for the sake of the country and public welfare, the continuity of welfare-oriented work should be maintained even after political shifts. Their core principle should be 'Bangladesh First, People First'. A country does not merely mean a territory or a flag; behind it lies the bonding of people's self-determination and ownership.

Recalling the history of the establishment of Jagannath University, the Minister stated that the process of transforming this institution into a university began in 1995 through the sincere efforts of student leaders including Shaheed Nasiruddin Pintu and the earnest desire of Chairperson Khaleda Zia. Subsequently, during the tenure of the BNP government, Jagannath University College was officially upgraded to a full-fledged university through the passage of an act in the National Parliament in 2005. Mentioning that the construction of a new independent and modern residential campus on 200 acres of land in Keraniganj, apart from the current campus, is ongoing, he highlighted the government's positive outlook regarding fulfilling students' logical demands.

Regarding the education system and higher education, the Minister stated that a nation cannot become developed merely by acquiring certificates or GPA-5; qualitative change and research-oriented education are indispensable for this. Universities should not be centers merely for employment, but rather hubs for the practice of free thought and advanced research. Emphasizing technical and technological education, he stated that instead of remaining unemployed by acquiring higher degrees in general education alone, everyone must be transformed into skilled and trained human resources according to the demands of the modern world.

Placing emphasis on keeping pace with the semiconductor industry, artificial intelligence (AI), and tech-driven modern economy, the Minister stated that to survive in future competition, there is no alternative to creating innovative ideas, tech-driven knowledge, and merit-based manpower alongside traditional systems. He urged the young generation to come forward in building a prosperous Bangladesh by upholding the spirit of the 2024 mass uprising and patriotism while maintaining national unity.

Chaired by Jagannath University Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. Md. Rois Uddin, the event was addressed by National Parliament Whip Mia Nuruddin Ahmed Opu and Madaripur-3 Member of Parliament Anisur Rahman Talukder as special guests. Notably, day-long events on the occasion of Jagannath University Day 2026 included hoisting the national flag, a joyful rally, an art exhibition, a discussion meeting, a doa mahfil, and cultural programs and concerts.

//DBTech/SRF/SME/MIST//