DU Correspondent 

The government is ready to provide the necessary funds for the development of higher education. However, public universities are run on public tax money. Therefore, every taka allocated must be spent on the basis of need, through proper planning and with transparency, said Professor Dr. Mamun Ahmed, Chairman of the University Grants Commission (UGC) of Bangladesh.

He made these remarks while speaking as the chief guest at the inauguration of a day-long workshop titled 'Budget Preparation and Implementation of Public Universities' at the UGC Auditorium on Thursday. 

The UGC Chairman said that the UGC has taken various initiatives to improve the quality of higher education, develop students as skilled human resources and make them suitable for employment in the country and abroad. A significant amount of money will be required to implement these initiatives. The amount of money currently being spent on universities, including revenue and development budgets, may be more than that required in the future.

He said that in allocating funds according to the needs of universities, the actual need for the funds and the ability to spend them appropriately must be taken into consideration. Similarly, in the case of new manpower requirements, proper needs assessment and rationality verification are also necessary.

Calling for the value of trust and confidence in universities, Prof Mamun Ahmed said, "Before raising any demand for money or manpower, the actual need must be properly assessed. 

Highlighting the responsibilities of the UGC, he said, "The government funds public universities. On the other hand, universities conduct their academic activities as autonomous institutions. 

In his speech as the chairman of the workshop, UGC Member Prof Dr. Md. Aslam Hossain said that various steps are being taken by the government and UGC to advance the country's higher education. Efforts are ongoing to implement the government's commitment. 

UGC members Prof Dr. Abdullah-Al-Mamun, Prof Md. Mehedi Hasan Khan and Prof Dr. Niaz Ahmed Chowdhury were special guests at the workshop. UGC Secretary Dr. Md. Fakhrul Islam delivered the welcome speech.

The program was moderated by UGC Deputy Director of Finance, Accounts and Budget Department Md. Hafizur Rahman. The day-long workshop was attended by registrars, directors of finance and accounts departments and other relevant officials from 29 public universities of the country.