Staff Reporter :
In a recent meeting held at the University Grants Commission (UGC), Professor Dr. Muhammad Alamgir, serving as the Chairman with additional responsibilities, expressed deep concerns regarding the prolonged stays of teachers abroad during vacations, contributing to a worsening crisis in the country’s education system.
Dr. Alamgir highlighted the adverse effects of a substantial number of educators pursuing Ph.D. degrees spending an extensive amount of time outside the country, with many failing to return.
The chairman’s remarks came to light during an insightful exchange of views between Dr. Alamgir and Professor Emeritus of Pennsylvania State University and former Vice-Chancellor of Brac University, Syed Saad Andaleeb, at the UGC auditorium on Monday, March 11.
Dr. Alamgir underscored the urgent need for a robust implementation of political commitments to bring about essential changes in higher education. He pointed out that the education sector is currently facing a severe crisis, necessitating coordinated efforts across all levels of education, from primary to higher education, to enhance overall education quality.
The chairman stressed that active participation by universities in education, research, and service is crucial for improving educational standards.
To address these challenges, Dr. Alamgir proposed providing independent working opportunities for political and relevant implementing institutions, ensuring a more efficient and effective educational system.
Moreover, the UGC Chairman suggested that priority should be given to Ph.D. degree holders in the recruitment of teachers at the country’s universities.
He emphasised that these educators, engaged in both teaching and research, can significantly contribute to the overall development of students and benefit them in various ways.
In the same meeting, Syed Saad Andaleeb shared his vision for the development of higher education across various countries, drawing on practical experience and recommendations.
He emphasised the establishment of academic and research-based universities, stressing the need to enhance the quality of higher education to ensure a higher standard of learning.
Saad Andaleeb proposed several measures, including depoliticizing the education system, fostering a culture of research, supporting research publications in reputable journals, involving industry in academia, and assessing the impact of education.
He also recommended incorporating funds for education, research, and service provision into teacher salaries. Additionally, Saad Andaleeb encouraged initiatives to bring back young researchers to the country and provided guidance on publishing research information on websites.
The exchange of views meeting saw the presence of other UGC members, including Professor Dr. M. Sajjad Hossen, Professor Dr. Hasina Khan, UGC Secretary Dr. Ferdous Jaman, Director of Research, Assistance, and Publications Department M. Fakhrul Islam, Additional Director of the same department Nahid Sultan, and M. Shahin Siraj.
