Our Universities Have Not Reached the Top in Rankings: PM

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has expressed concern regarding the standards of education and research, noting that Bangladeshi higher education institutions have failed to reach the desired heights in global university rankings. He made these observations today, Tuesday (May 12), while speaking at the inauguration of a day-long national workshop titled “Transforming Higher Education in Bangladesh: Roadmap to Sustainable Excellence” at the Nabab Nawab Ali Chowdhury Senate Bhaban, University of Dhaka.

The Prime Minister clarified that a university's international standing primarily depends on its research publications and innovative capabilities. He stated that the reality remains that our universities have not reached significant heights in the rankings of world-famous institutions in terms of achieving excellence in 21st-century education and research, urging academics to reflect deeply on the country's actual position in these sectors.

The Prime Minister urged educators to prepare students for a competitive world rather than limiting them to textbook-based learning. He warned that if universities do not pay proper attention to research and innovation, surviving in the competitive global landscape will become increasingly difficult. He also assured that the government would provide the necessary budget allocations to accelerate these activities.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman introduced a new philosophy of involving former students (alumni) in the development of universities. Drawing examples from developed nations like Britain, he noted that alumni often serve as the primary patrons of research.

“Students are the soul of a university, while the alumni are its backbone. I humbly call upon academics to take initiatives to involve established alumni—those from Dhaka University and other institutions who are successful in knowledge, science, and wealth both at home and abroad—in the research and development of our universities.” — Prime Minister Tarique Rahman

Vice-chancellors, researchers, and policymakers from public and private universities across the country participated in the workshop organized by the University Grants Commission (UGC). Presided over by UGC Chairman Professor Dr. Mamun Ahmed, the event was attended by Education Minister A.N.M. Ehsanul Hoque Milan and the Prime Minister’s Education Advisor, Mahdi Amin, as special guests.

The workshop featured discussions across five technical sessions covering graduate employability, industry-academia collaboration, digital transformation, and the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI). The UGC stated that a sustainable and effective policy roadmap for the improvement of higher education in Bangladesh will be formulated based on the recommendations from this workshop.