Bangladesh to establish first dedicated postgraduate university to boost research and innovation

TBM Report ||

Bangladesh is preparing to establish its first-ever dedicated postgraduate university modeled after leading global institutions to elevate higher education, basic research, and technological innovation. Education Minister Dr. A. N. M. Ehsanul Haq Milon announced the initiative during the closing ceremony of a two-day “Vice-Chancellors’ Dialogue” held at BRAC CDM in Savar.

Organized under the Higher Education Acceleration and Transformation (HEAT) project implemented by the University Grants Commission (UGC), the dialogue brought together academic leaders from across the country. The Minister highlighted that Prime Minister has shown keen interest in creating an advanced institution focusing solely on master’s, doctoral, and post-doctoral research.

Underlining a major shift in public investment, the Education Minister stated that the national budget allocation for education has recently been raised to 2 percent of GDP, with plans to scale it up to 3 percent next year and eventually 5 percent over time. He urged universities to modernize academic curricula to match evolving domestic and global labor market demands.

Addressing quality control, the minister directed the UGC to identify underperforming private universities. While the government avoids immediate shutdowns to safeguard students’ academic futures, no new substandard private universities will receive approval. Furthermore, top-tier private universities will be facilitated to initiate accredited PhD programs, supported by the creation of a centralized National Research Bank.

Presiding over the session, UGC Chairman Professor Dr. Mamun Ahmed revealed a draft five-year strategic plan aimed at reforming higher education. He announced plans to introduce mandatory internships for undergraduate students with financial stipends, positioning the UGC as a bridge between academia and industry.