The recent appointments of the chairman of the University Grants Commission of Bangladesh (UGC) and vice-chancellors of various autonomous and government universities have been widely welcomed by different quarters, with many seeing new hope for the country's education sector.
There is an expectation that the new office bearers of the UGC, as well as those of autonomous and government universities, will play a pivotal role in advancing higher education and prioritising research. Stakeholders also hope that this new leadership will avoid the irregularities that plagued their predecessors.
The newly appointed UGC Chairman, Professor Dr SMA Faiz, previously served as vice-chancellor of Dhaka University and chairman of the Bangladesh Public Service Commission, with no allegations of misconduct ever raised against him. He led Dhaka University with distinction and his academic credentials are equally impressive.
It is anticipated that he will bring significant changes to the higher education landscape, fostering world-class research involving faculty and students from both public and private universities across the country.
Noted educationist and former Dhaka University lecturer Professor Syed Anwar Husain told The Business Post that in the past, unskilled, dishonest and less qualified individuals were appointed as vice-chancellors of public universities due to political affiliations. “They were involved in irregularities and corruption. I am hopeful about the new leadership,” he said.
Professor Dr Mohammad Ali Zinnah, from Dhaka University’s Institute of Education and Research, told The Business Post, “Professor SMA Faiz is a research-friendly educator. I am personally pleased with his appointment as chairman of the UGC.”
“I believe his oversight of public and private universities will encourage teachers to focus more on research,” he added.
Mohiuddin Mahi, an official at a government university, posted on Facebook, “Professor SMA Faiz is a changemaking figure in higher education. The image of Dhaka University was outstanding during his tenure (2002-09). I am hopeful for the future of higher education in Bangladesh.”
Regarding Professor Mohammad Kamrul Ahsan, recently appointed as the new vice-chancellor (VC) of Jahangirnagar University (JU), former JU student Alkama Azad wrote on Facebook, “Professor Mohammad Kamrul Ahsan always strives to uphold Jahangirnagar University’s image on the global stage.”
“He is student-friendly and encourages teachers to engage in research. I believe the university has gained a highly qualified vice-chancellor,” he added.
Challenges faced by universities
The University Grants Commission of Bangladesh (UGC) has uncovered financial irregularities and instances of misconduct involving at least 35 vice-chancellors of various public universities over the past 15 years.
Several vice-chancellors appointed their sons, daughters and relatives as teachers, officials and staff. Their focus shifted towards accumulating wealth and consolidating power within the universities, rather than fostering research and education.
As a result, higher education in Bangladesh has made little significant progress over the past 15 years.
The Global Knowledge Index 2023 report also highlights disappointing performance for Bangladesh, particularly in the areas of research, development and innovation.
The report indicates that Bangladesh is a weak performer in terms of knowledge infrastructure, ranking 112th out of 133 countries and 21st among 25 nations with medium human development.
Bangladesh scored 36 out of 100 on the Global Knowledge Index 2023, significantly below the global average of 47.5. In the research, development and innovation sector, the country fared even worse, earning just 17.36 points out of 100. In higher education, Bangladesh achieved a score of 33.75 out of 100.
