THE world is now moving towards a knowledge-based society. In the 21st century the countries that are likely to lead the world will be the ones which will be most creative and innovative. And it is at the university level education and research that new ideas are most likely to emerge.
In the context of such a global trend, Bangladesh will have to invest far more than it does today for higher education. The good news is that private sector has come forward with investment and has set up several quality private universities that are providing high standard education, producing a much needed expertise that we so desperately look for.
Now the government has to come forward to strengthen this trend and increase its own investment for higher education, especially in research. The new growth areas where we can make an inroad are bio-technology and ICT.
Our public universities need extensive support from the public exchequer to modernize its science departments. Here we see a grand opportunity for public-private partnership. Our universities need to produce graduate and post-graduate scholars who can respond to the need of an industry so that both can benefit. A case in point is the growth of pharmaceutical industries which are providing employment for highly qualified scientists and are willing to support research initiative by the universities.
We feel the need for a strong government policy to fund and promote higher education. We congratulate the University Grants Commission (UGC) for holding a very significant international conference with the assistance of British Council whose recommendations should receive serious attention from our policymakers.