Standard of higher edn still not at desired level
PM tells UGC chairman, VCs
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina addresses the chairman of University Grants Commission (UGC) and vice-chancellors of public universities at her office in the city yesterday. Photo: PID
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina yesterday said the higher education in the country could not yet achieve the desired standard. “The expansion of higher education and its standard did not yet reach the desired level. BNP and its allies Jamaat are responsible for this,” she said. Hasina was speaking at a meeting with the chairman of University Grants Commission (UGC) and vice-chancellors of public universities at her office. Prime Minister's Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad briefed reporters after the meeting. The prime minister said the previous BNP-Jamaat alliance government destroyed the academic atmosphere in all the educational institutions of the country. She mentioned that the BNP-Jamaat alliance government ruined the academic atmosphere through nepotism and politicisation. The prime minister said her government puts emphasis on improvement of the standard of education and development of academic atmosphere on the campuses as they did during their previous term. During her previous regime (1996-2001), she said her government had taken an initiative to establish 12 universities across the country. “But the BNP-Jamaat alliance government had shelved the plans,” she said. Hasina said her present government has resumed the activities of those public universities after assuming office. Regarding various problems facing the public universities, she said her government would take steps in consultation with the officials concerned. About the facilities of teachers and their demands, she said her government is actively considering announcing a separate pay scale for the teachers. She also underlined the importance of research activities in universities and assured of providing special facilities for the researchers. The prime minister said the BNP-Jamaat alliance government was reluctant about public sufferings. The demand for electricity and gas has increased a lot, but the then government did not do anything in this regard, she said. “But our government with its relentless efforts, sincerity and dedication has been able to improve the situation a lot,” she said. UGC Chairman AK Azad Chowdhury led the delegation. PM's Adviser Gawher Rizvi, Principal Secretary MA Karim, PMO Secretary Molla Waheeduzzaman and PM's Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad were present at the meeting.
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