"I am the Education Minister; for you, I am the government"

Addressing the Vice-Chancellors of various universities, Education and Primary & Mass Education Minister Dr. Ehsanul Hoque Milon remarked, "I am the Education Minister; for you, I am the government." He made these comments on Sunday (April 26) during a workshop organized by the University Grants Commission (UGC) in Agargaon to mark World Intellectual Property Day 2026.

The Minister noted that the number of public universities in the country has reached 57 and continues to grow. Drawing on global academic standards, he posed a critical question to the academic leaders: "Most of us have studied abroad. When we see how foreign universities excel, why can't we build our institutions on those models? Should universities be established only to create posts, positions, and gain political mileage?"

Dr. Milon urged the Vice-Chancellors to think deeply about the future of higher education. He expressed his desire for integrated universities to improve and requested that the VCs themselves come forward with innovative proposals. "I want the suggestions on how to improve our integrated universities to come from you. We are trying our best," he added.

Reiterating his support for academic progress, the Minister assured the VCs of his full cooperation in any developmental initiative. "If you want development, I will be with you. As the Education Minister, I represent the government for you, don't I?" he stated, emphasizing a collaborative approach to advancing the country's higher education sector.

The workshop, presided over by UGC Chairman Professor Dr. Mamun Ahmed, was attended by Vice-Chancellors, UGC members, and senior officials from the Ministry of Education, all of whom gathered to discuss the protection of intellectual property and the acceleration of research activities.