National and master trainers will play a key role in transforming Bangladesh’s higher education sector and implementing the University Grants Commission’s (UGC) reform agenda, UGC Chairman Professor Mamun Ahmed said.
He said the trained professionals would be crucial to carrying out the Commission’s vision for improving the quality of education, developing skills and strengthening university governance.
The UGC is preparing a five-year action plan aimed at enhancing academic standards, increasing graduate employability and bringing university curricula in line with the demands of the job market.
Under the plan, internships will be made mandatory for all fourth-year students across all departments within the next five years. Students will complete the internships at industrial, commercial, government and private sector organisations to gain practical experience.
The initiative will also focus on developing students’ soft skills and moral values alongside technical knowledge. Financial support will be provided to students taking part in the internship programmes, according to the UGC.
As part of its faculty development initiative under the Higher Education Acceleration and Transformation (HEAT) project, supported by the World Bank and the British Council, the UGC has introduced a tiered training system for university teachers.
Recently, 20 teachers were certified as National Trainers after completing an intensive 10-day training programme. Over the next two years, these trainers will provide professional development support to around 3,500 senior faculty members across the country.
The reform programme also aims to promote a research culture, introduce modern teaching methods and strengthen academic leadership in universities.
The UGC plans to expand fellowship opportunities to address teacher shortages in regional universities and improve the capacity of institutions that are lagging behind, officials said.
