Effat Sania Nancy, Khulna

Education and Primary and Mass Education Minister Dr. A N M Ehsanul Haque Milan has said that the government is working to establish cross-border universities in the country.

He said new universities would be established according to the country’s needs, while the capacity and scope of existing universities would also be expanded. Recalling the BNP government’s decision in 2003 to transform four Bangladesh Institutes of Technology (BITs) into universities, he said Khulna University of Engineering & Technology (KUET) began its journey as part of that historic initiative.

The minister made the remarks while addressing a University Day celebration as the chief guest at KUET on Tuesday afternoon, marking the university’s 23rd anniversary.

He said universities need to strengthen their research and alumni activities to achieve a better position in global rankings. “We are falling behind in global competition not because of a lack of talent, but because of inadequate efforts and the improper application of systems,” he said.
The minister emphasized that people in Bangladesh possess the same potential as people in Europe and America and urged students to make the best use of their abilities through serious study and research.

Addressing the students, he said they must study sincerely and develop their skills and qualifications if they want to contribute to themselves, their parents, the country and the nation as a whole. He also encouraged them to focus on research and acquire knowledge through innovation.

Special guest and Bangladesh National Parliament Whip Rakibul Islam Bokul said the government is working to build a modern, timely and employment-oriented education system. He expressed the hope that students would acquire knowledge through education and research and dedicate themselves to serving the country and its people.

He also said that students must develop their skills in line with technological advancements in the era of artificial intelligence. “We have to accept the changes of the time and move forward by adapting ourselves to technology,” he said.
KUET Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr. Muhammad Masud chaired the programme. Professor Dr. Muhammad Shahjahan Ali, Director of KUET’s Institute of Disaster Management, and Prof Dr. Md. Hasan Ali, Director of the Student Welfare Council, also spoke at the event.

Officials from different government departments, university teachers and students, public representatives and journalists attended the programme.
Earlier, the education minister joined a reception, a joy rally and a tree-planting programme organized as part of the University Day celebrations.
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