It was between 1971 and 1973. I became acquainted with several students while doing my PhD at the University of Aberdeen. They were school or college-going students because, at that time, there were no high-quality schools or colleges in Malaysia. At that time, students from our country also came here. But today, we see a developed Malaysia. Now, no one comes from Malaysia to study in our country. Instead, students from the West go there to study because of their global rankings and international standard institutions. If such institutions can be established there, it is also possible in our country. Because our students are much more talented. We saw an example of this in July-August. They were so dedicated and determined that they made the event (mass-uprising) possible with their talent. They turned slogans into weapons. What beautiful slogans they came up with, with which they countered machine guns and tanks. Through this, they brought the entire nation together. We are grateful to them.
When these gifted students arrive at university, we deprive them of the beginning. The initial requirement for a student is a place to reside or a hall for accommodation. Within those halls, the provost or residential instructors did not assign seats. In return for having them function as servants, a handful of leaders would permit them to remain in the halls. When the leaders said they needed to take part in the procession. When they mentioned that they needed to attend the meeting, they said there may be a test the following day, but they still had to participate. We have progressed beyond this situation. Currently, seats are assigned according to merit.
Simultaneously, it is also a fact that although our students possess considerable talent, many of their parents are pretty impoverished. They proudly declare that my father is a farmer, a rickshaw driver, a nightguard, etc. The children from these families attend both public and private universities; at government universities, over 50 percent of the students are female. However, their families are unable to assist. These students have arrived at university, viewing this as a challenge. However, upon arriving at the university, they cannot find housing. Is there nothing that can be done for them? Indeed, there is.
We have determined that a scholarship—possibly a residential grant — will be provided for the girls lacking accommodation. Simultaneously, loans will be offered with nearly no interest. We have previously discussed this matter with the World Bank, Dhaka University, and several other organizations. We will certainly offer a hand of collaboration here.
Honoring the students' perspectives is the most essential part of teaching. Consequently, educators should honor the mindset of the learners. In addition to quality housing in the halls, a favorable study environment must be provided. Concurrently, the university should possess well-furnished libraries, laboratories, and lecture rooms. Moreover, the halls should offer high-quality and healthy food to ensure students enjoy nutritious meals. We must ensure these matters. Universities ought to spearhead efforts in these domains. University vice-chancellors and their associates should periodically tour the halls, share meals with students, and assess the overall atmosphere to enhance the effectiveness of these responsibilities. If the university officials allow it, we can also visit for this reason from the UGC.
There is much debate regarding private universities. Not every private university is founded with a commercial perspective. Numerous private universities are making significant contributions to the educational sector driven by a sense of social responsibility. I am confident that other private universities will eventually emulate their model. It is incorrect for us to establish universities by using funds from students. We ought to aim to apply minimal pressure on them. We need to take into account the socioeconomic conditions of our students. Society has provided us with much; now, it is our opportunity to contribute in return. We hold numerous obligations to society. Graduates also carry numerous obligations. They also bear a responsibility. It is now their moment to come forward and extend their assistance.
Public universities have a greater engagement with the government compared to private institutions. Nevertheless, the time has arrived to think about ways to handle the UGC while decreasing our reliance on the government. The education consultant has offered an excellent suggestion. We should consider whether we can call the UGC the University Grant Commission instead of the University Commission or the Higher Education Commission. This is a great concept. By doing this, we can lessen our reliance on the government. Will the commission serve as a regulatory body for universities, or will it progress through collaboration? We will undoubtedly advance through collaborative respect.
Many private universities excel in various areas, though not in every field. Some succeed in one domain, while others thrive in another. Higher education institutions must advance through investigation. We will see this positively if universities choose to establish PhD programs. We will reach decisions regarding this issue by engaging in discussions with all parties concerned.
No nation can advance without research. If universities hold national status, their aim should be to raise their profile to an international level. Research should address society's issues and requirements. However, it is extremely expensive. In this context, the government and the UGC need to take action. The World Bank initiative I referenced previously also highlights research.
Furthermore, we are in the process of organizing teacher training. It is set to start at the Open University in February. Subsequently, we will also collaborate with the Agricultural University. We ought to collaborate with every university. The UGC comprises a small group of five members and a chairman. However, all public and private universities combined constitute our larger team. We will progress together.
Dr S M A Faiz, Chairman, University Grants Commission of Bangladesh
Remarks as a panelist at the 1st Bangladesh Higher Education Conclave 2024, organized by Bonik Barta on the topic “Global Standards in Higher Education: What is to be done in Bangladesh.”