Edu Minister reshapes HEAT project plan
Education Minister Dr A N M Ehsanul Hoque Milon has directed that the Development Project Proposal (DPP) of the ongoing Higher Education Acceleration and Transformation (HEAT) project be revised by incorporating the government’s current priorities to further enhance the quality of higher education in the country.
He issued the instruction while addressing a workshop on the mid-term review of the HEAT project held at the University Grants Commission (UGC) building on Thursday, according to a press release. The programme was presided over by UGC Chairman Prof Dr Mamun Ahmed.
The minister said that several components of the project have become less relevant in the present global and national context, stressing the need for an urgent revision of the DPP in line with government priorities.
He also underscored the importance of ensuring proper and cost-effective use of project funds.
Expressing concern over the slow progress of implementation, he said only 5 percent of the project work has been completed despite two years having already passed. He urged all concerned to accelerate activities to ensure completion by December 2028, assuring full cooperation from the ministry.
Referring to directives from the government leadership to rationalise development spending, the minister said project funds must be utilised strictly for meaningful improvement of higher education.
UGC Chairman Prof Mamun Ahmed said that despite the delayed start, the project would be completed within the stipulated timeframe by achieving its set targets.
He added that the HEAT project would help strengthen international-standard research opportunities, promote joint research, and enhance collaboration between universities, industry and business institutions.
Senior officials from the Ministry of Education, including Additional Secretary Dr Sardar Md Keramat Ali, and World Bank Senior Education Specialist and Task Team Leader T M Asaduzzaman, also attended the event. Project Director Prof Dr Asaduzzaman delivered the welcome speech.
