The University Grants Commission (UGC) is an institution responsible for improving governance and management in higher education in Bangladesh.
Unfortunately, questions have been raised about the institution’s own governance, which is a concern for the entire higher education sector.
According to a report published in a national daily on Tuesday, sources from the Directorate of Education Audit revealed that the UGC has been providing huge loans to officials beyond the prescribed limit without following the rules and regulations.
According to the report, many officials have been given loans in excess of their eligibility, violating the rules of the institution.
It is alleged that many employees of the commission, despite working for long years, are not getting loans to build houses.
On the other hand, some people have taken loans more than once.
We know the universities can play in building sustainable socio-economic development and a knowledge-based economy through innovation and excellence in research in higher education.
We also know that the main function of the UGC is to provide overall facilities and guidance to universities in that regard.
But how well the organization is fulfilling those responsibilities has been a question for a long time.
When allegations are made that irregularities have occurred in the UGC’s own administration by taking general loans, doubts are raised about how the institution will ensure accountability of others.
It was thought that the wave of change in the country during the July-August mass uprising would also hit the shores of the UGC. But it can be said that the institution has not been touched by reform in that sense.
We know that there is still a lot to be done in the country’s higher education.
This opportunity has increased even more, especially after the students’ mass uprising.
Even though the seven Colleges’ crisis is under the control of the UGC, a sustainable solution has not yet been found.
Our universities have not yet achieved the desired success in various competitions at the international level.
If the UGC fails to show itself in that position, the universities will have the opportunity to defer to it or follow its instructions.
We hope that all the allegations of irregularities that have arisen regarding the UGC will be seriously investigated and resolved.
It should set an example by punishing those involved in irregularities so that the institution can remain transparent and maintain its ethical standards in supervising higher education.
