UGC chairman urges universities to promote responsible free thinking
University Grants Commission (UGC) Chairman Professor Dr Mamun Ahmed has urged university teachers and students to embrace free thinking alongside knowledge and skills, while exercising freedom of expression responsibly.
He made the call on Thursday while addressing a Freshers’ Reception-2026 and Nazrul Year programme at East West University in the capital as chief guest.
Dr Mamun said universities should ensure opportunities for free speech, knowledge pursuit and expression of opinions, while teachers and students should foster an academic environment where free thinking is practised responsibly.
Addressing the newcomers, he said academic results alone could not guarantee success. Hard work, perseverance, commitment and participation in extracurricular activities were also essential.
He urged students to develop workplace and real-life skills alongside social, emotional and psychological capabilities.
The UGC chairman said the expansion of higher education had made producing quality graduates a continuing challenge.
University education, he said, needed to be better connected with the job market and the realities of life.
“Bangladesh’s greatest asset is its human resources,” he said, stressing that investment in quality education and skills development could create employment opportunities both at home and abroad, including through self-employment.
Speaking about the UGC’s role, Dr Mamun said the commission wanted to support universities rather than merely regulate them.
Public and private universities would receive equal support based on their performance, he added.
He urged private universities to increase investment in faculty development, research, student welfare and scholarships.
The government had reduced VAT by five per cent following a UGC recommendation, while the commission was working to secure another five per cent reduction next year, he said.
Dr Mamun also outlined plans to strengthen digital connectivity among universities, expand international research collaboration and increase PhD fellowships.
Referring to Kazi Nazrul Islam’s philosophy, he said the national poet’s thoughts remained relevant to addressing inequality and building a non-communal society and state.
