বিশ্ববিদ্যালয় মঞ্জুরী কমিশন

Overview

The University Grants Commission of Bangladesh (UGC) is the statutory apex body responsible for overseeing higher education in Bangladesh. Established on December 16, 1972, and constituted by Presidential Order No. 10 of 1973, the UGC operates under the Ministry of Education. Its primary functions include coordinating, maintaining standards, and promoting university education across the nation. The UGC serves as an intermediary between the government and universities, ensuring that higher education institutions adhere to national policies and standards. It also allocates financial resources to public universities and monitors their performance to ensure quality and accountability.

History and Legal Framework

The UGC was founded to address the growing need for a centralized body to regulate and promote higher education in Bangladesh. The legal foundation of the UGC is rooted in Presidential Order No. 10 of 1973, which established the commission as a statutory body with the authority to oversee all universities in the country. Over the years, the UGC has played a pivotal role in shaping the higher education landscape in Bangladesh, adapting to the evolving educational needs and challenges of the nation. Its establishment marked a significant step towards institutionalizing higher education governance and ensuring that universities operate in alignment with national development goals.

Mission, Vision, and Objectives

The mission of the UGC is to ensure the quality of higher education throughout Bangladesh by coordinating and maintaining standards across universities. Its vision is to develop a higher education system that is responsive to the needs of the nation and contributes to the socio-economic development of Bangladesh. The primary objectives of the UGC include:

• Coordinating and overseeing the activities of public and private universities.
• Allocating financial resources to public universities based on their needs and performance.
• Developing and implementing policies to improve the quality of education.
• Monitoring and evaluating the performance of universities to ensure accountability.
• Promoting research and innovation within higher education institutions.

Governance, Structure, and Independence

The UGC operates as an autonomous body under the Ministry of Education, with a governance structure that includes a Chairman and several members appointed by the government. The commission's independence is crucial for maintaining the autonomy of universities and ensuring that higher education policies are developed and implemented without undue influence. The UGC's organizational structure includes various divisions responsible for specific functions, such as planning and development, quality assurance, and research. This structure enables the commission to effectively manage and oversee the diverse aspects of higher education in Bangladesh.

Accreditation and Quality Evaluation

While the UGC plays a significant role in overseeing the quality of higher education, the actual accreditation of programs and institutions is primarily the responsibility of the Bangladesh Accreditation Council. The UGC supports quality assurance initiatives by providing guidance and resources to universities, promoting the establishment of Institutional Quality Assurance Cells (IQACs) within universities, and encouraging the adoption of best practices in teaching, learning, and research. Through these efforts, the UGC aims to foster a culture of continuous improvement and excellence in higher education institutions.

International Cooperation and Network Memberships

The UGC actively engages in international collaborations to enhance the global standing of Bangladeshi universities and to facilitate the exchange of knowledge and best practices. It nominates university teachers to attend seminars, workshops, and conferences organized by international organizations both domestically and abroad. The UGC also manages programs such as the SAARC Chair Fellowship and the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS) exchange program, which promote cooperation in science and technology between Bangladesh and other countries. These international engagements help to integrate Bangladeshi higher education institutions into the global academic community and contribute to the development of a knowledge-based economy.

Current or Future Impact on Higher Education

The UGC continues to play a vital role in shaping the future of higher education in Bangladesh. Through initiatives like the Higher Education Acceleration and Transformation (HEAT) project, the UGC aims to modernize university infrastructure, enhance research capabilities, and improve governance structures. These efforts are expected to have a significant impact on the quality and accessibility of higher education, making it more responsive to the needs of students and the demands of the global job market. The UGC's commitment to continuous improvement and innovation positions it as a key driver of educational reform and development in Bangladesh.

Summary

The University Grants Commission of Bangladesh is a central body responsible for overseeing and coordinating higher education in the country. Established in 1972, the UGC plays a crucial role in maintaining standards, allocating resources, and promoting quality education across public and private universities. Through its governance, accreditation support, international collaborations, and strategic initiatives, the UGC contributes significantly to the development of a robust and dynamic higher education system that supports the socio-economic advancement of Bangladesh.

FAQs

• What is the University Grants Commission of Bangladesh?
  The UGC is the statutory apex body responsible for overseeing and coordinating higher education in Bangladesh, ensuring quality and maintaining standards across universities.
• When was the UGC established?
  The UGC was established on December 16, 1972, and was constituted by Presidential Order No. 10 of 1973.
• What are the main functions of the UGC?
  The UGC coordinates and oversees university activities, allocates financial resources to public universities, develops and implements policies to improve education quality, monitors and evaluates university performance, and promotes research and innovation.
• Does the UGC accredit universities?
  While the UGC oversees the quality of higher education, the actual accreditation of programs and institutions is primarily the responsibility of the Bangladesh Accreditation Council.
• How does the UGC engage internationally?
  The UGC engages in international collaborations by nominating university teachers for seminars and workshops, and managing programs like the SAARC Chair Fellowship and the JSPS exchange program to promote cooperation in science and technology.
• What initiatives is the UGC currently involved in?
  The UGC is involved in initiatives like the HEAT project, which aims to modernize university infrastructure, enhance research capabilities, and improve governance structures to impact higher education positively.

Organization Name

বিশ্ববিদ্যালয় মঞ্জুরী কমিশন

University Grants Commission of Bangladesh

Acronym

UGC

Year of Establishment

1972

Control Type

Public

Entity Type

Non-Profit

Geo Focus and Coverage

National

Recognized by

n.a.

Affiliations or Memberships

n.a.

Number of Member Universities or Accredited Institutions

n.a.

Address

Agargaon
Dhaka
1207 Dhaka Bangladesh

Phone

+880 (2) 812 8174

Fax

+880 (2) 812 2948

n.a.

Official Social Media Channels

Facebook

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X (Twitter)

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LinkedIn

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YouTube

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Instagram

Not available

Wikipedia Article

University Grants Commission of Bangladesh's Wikipedia article

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