Education Minister Dr A N M Ehsanul Hoque Milon has asked to revise the Development Project Proposal (DPP) of the ongoing Higher Education Acceleration and Transformation (HEAT) project by incorporating the current priorities of the government to improve the quality of higher education.
The press release stated that he gave the directive while speaking as the chief guest at a workshop on the mid-term review of the HEAT project, which took place on Thursday at the UGC building.
University Grants Commission (UGC) Chairman Professor Dr Mamun Ahmed presided over the function.
The minister said, “In the current global and domestic context, some components of this project are no longer relevant. Therefore, the DPP must be revised promptly by incorporating the government’s priorities to ensure quality higher education.”
He laid special emphasis on ensuring proper and economical use of the project funds.
Expressing dissatisfaction over the progress of the project implementation, the minister said, “Although only two years remain for the project, progress so far is just 5 per cent. We have very limited time. The project must be successfully completed by December 2028. The ministry will extend all-out cooperation in this regard, but it must accelerate the pace of work immediately.
Professor Mamun Ahmed said, “despite a delayed start, the project would be completed within the stipulated time by ensuring the achievement of specific targets.
He further said, “Through the HEAT project, opportunities will be created to connect with international standards in research. We will give priority to joint research and strengthen linkages between universities, industries, and business institutions.
The Ministry of Education’s Additional Secretary Dr Sardar Md Keramat Ali and T M Asaduzzaman, the Senior Education Specialist and Task Team Leader of the World Bank, spoke as special guests at the event. Director of the HEAT project Professor Dr Asaduzzaman delivered the welcome address.
Senior officials of the UGC and different universities were present.
