UGC for increasing budgetary allocation to conduct quality research

The University Grants Commission (UGC) of Bangladesh member Professor Dr Masuma Habib on Monday urged the interim government to increase the budgetary allocation for the education sector in the next fiscal year to promote quality research and build necessary infrastructure.

"The budget allocation for the education and research sector must be increased to build world-class universities," she said while speaking as the chief guest at a research proposal evaluation workshop. The UGC's Research and Grants Management Division organized the workshop at the commission's auditorium.

Prof Masuma Habib mentioned that the interim government's chief adviser and education adviser were university teachers, expressing hope that they would play a positive role in increasing the budgetary allocation for the education sector.

She also emphasised that the new generation should be encouraged to pursue research-based education.

Additionally, she requested the government to restart travel grants for university teachers so that they could attend international conferences.

Prof Masuma Habib urged the project evaluators to select research projects that would be beneficial for the country and its people.

She also advised the researchers to implement the projects within the stipulated time to ensure the proper utilization of public money.

Director of the UGC's Research and Grants Management Department Dr Ferdous Zaman presided over the program, while Additional Director Mohammad Kabirul Hasan spoke at the event.

UGC Senior Assistant Director Biswanath Biswas moderated the program. During the event, senior teachers and researchers from various public universities evaluated the project proposals for the 2023-24 fiscal year.