Mamun Ahmed, the chairman of University Grants Commission (UGC) of Bangladesh, has said the government’s decision to reduce the tax on private universities by 5 per cent is a significant opportunity to enhance the quality of higher education.
Speaking as a special guest at an event organised by the Association of Private Universities of Bangladesh (APUB) in the capital on Monday, he also said the importance of establishing a research-oriented higher education system and a national research ecosystem to transform Bangladesh into a regional higher education hub.
The UGC chairman noted that the 5 per cent tax reduction is not merely a financial benefit but a catalyst for qualitative development. He expressed his expectation that universities would utilise these funds for teacher-student skill development, demand-based education, and high-quality research.
Mamun observed that most private universities in the country are currently teaching-oriented. He urged these institutions to lead in research to solve national problems and build a knowledge-based economy.
Addressing the misconception that private universities do not receive government assistance, Mamun revealed that Tk56 crore was allocated for research at private universities under the development budget in the last fiscal year.
He assured that the UGC would continue to fund research projects that play an effective role in solving the country’s problems.
With approximately 5 million students currently enrolled in higher education, the chairman emphasised the need for public and private universities to work in coordination to develop skilled human resources.
He said the UGC makes no distinction between public and private sectors, as both are equally vital for national development. Mamun further highlighted initiatives to establish a National Research Repository and an integrated research ecosystem.
“We are developing a research ecosystem where research priorities can be determined, information preserved, and the repetition of similar research avoided,” he said.
The chairman noted that the implementation of these initiatives would increase the interest of foreign students in pursuing higher education in Bangladesh, while simultaneously reducing the need for local students to go abroad for international-standard education.
According to Mamun, the current government has placed higher education at the centre of the national development strategy. Focus areas now include building a knowledge-based economy, increasing collaboration between industry and academia, and promoting internships and entrepreneurship.
Providing details on government investment, he said approximately Tk12,000 crore has been allocated for the UGC and 59 public universities in the current fiscal year. This includes Tk238 crore for research through the UGC and a total of Tk852 crore for the research sector, including development projects.
Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury attended the event as the chief guest. Also present were APUB President Md Sabur Khan, Secretary General Ishtiaque Abedin, Vice Chairman Benajir Ahmed, alongside trustees, vice-chancellors, and senior officials of various private universities.
