UGC Chairman Criticises Prioritising Teachers’ Personal Interests Over Students’ Welfare

Bangladesh University Grants Commission (UGC) Chairman, Professor Dr S.M.A. Faiz, has expressed concern that in many instances, the personal interests of teachers are being prioritised over the welfare of students. He emphasised that the country’s current youth generation is exceptionally sincere and talented, but their potential has not been fully utilised, particularly in the aftermath of the July movement.

Dr Faiz made these remarks while delivering the keynote address at a joint event organised by UGC and UNICEF on Sunday (28 September). The event focused on the development of Social and Behavioural Change (SBC) curricula and stakeholder engagement.

Key Observations by Dr Faiz

• Collaboration over personal interest: He stressed that teachers and students must work together above personal interests for the welfare of the nation.
• Student-friendly education: He highlighted the importance of making higher education institutions more student-centric and strengthening teacher-student relationships across the country.

Professor Dr Mohammad Tanzimuddin Khan, a UGC member, highlighted the need to consider the national context when designing SBC curricula. He noted that the virtual society significantly impacts various aspects of life and suggested incorporating virtual society usage into the SBC curriculum.

Professor Anwar Hossain, another UGC member, discussed achievements under the SBC project, including:

• Development of a research repository on SBC
• Creation of 12 course curricula on SBC
• Providing opportunities for further research in the field

Other Notable Participants

• Professor Dr Mashuma Habib and Professor Dr Mohammad Ayub Islam delivered special remarks.
• Jasmin Parveen, Acting Director of the UGC’s International Cooperation Division, and Md. Badrul Hasan, UNICEF SBC Programme Manager, were also present.

Dr Faiz concluded that overcoming personal interests for national benefit is crucial and that the combined efforts of teachers and students can significantly enhance the country’s educational landscape.